KOLKATA: Four city-based senior pilots and 44 other commanders and co-pilots have quit Air India in the past few months. For most of those who left AI, IndiGo has been the airline of choice as it has the best financial health as well as on-time performance among airlines operating in the country.
With the carrier set to expand majorly on the international front over the next three-four years as Airbus delivers a new fleet of A-320 aircraft, the company is offering a lucrative bonus of Rs 22-23 lakh to woo pilots with international flying experience.
"The offer is obviously targeted at ICPA members. The bonus more than adequately takes care of the amount due to pilots," said a commander, who is negotiating with another carrier and may resign next month. "The erstwhile IA pilots are the only ones who don't have a fixed pay in the industry," he alleged.
Though the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had mandated that pilots serve a six-months notice so that flight operations are not affected, AI has had to issue no objection certificate much sooner. "The rule is not applicable as the company has defaulted on pay, and hence, has no authority to enforce the stipulated notice period on pilots," an airline source said.
Flight operations have not been affected yet with the airline switching the home base of many flights. But if pilots leave in groups in late November and early December, it will begin to hurt. "The situation will get more difficult if there is another round of exodus," said a pilot, who is now clocking 57-58 flying hours a month, up from 50 hours two months ago when there were more pilots.
While the exodus has given an opportunity for the remaining pilots to fly more, stricter DGCA restrictions on flying hours to be imposed soon may further hit the airline.
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