Air India (AI) has decided to transfer 70 Boeing 777 pilots to its low-cost international arm — the AI Express.
The move will help the
national carrier overcome the severe shortage of pilots faced by AI
Express and at the same time put to optimal use B777 pilots whose flying
had been reduced to a great extent with AI selling five of its B777
aircraft to Etihad. AI has plans to lease or sell another three B777
aircraft, which is a long haul aircraft.
“AI Express has a fleet
of Boeing 737 aircraft and conversion from B777 to the narrow body B737
can be done easily. With this single move, we will solve two big
problems,” a senior AI official, who did not wish to be named, said. The
proposal, sources said, has been cleared by the airline’s board.
“Except for the ultra
long-haul flights to the US, we are using the B787 Dreamliner on most
international routes. All international flights are operated using the
Dreamliner,” said another official, who too did not wish to be quoted.
“AI Express had been facing a shortage of pilots while competition from
foreign and domestic airlines for traffic to Gulf had been increasing.
With more pilots, pressure should ease a bit,” the official added.
- Source: http://www.hindustantimes.com
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