Sunday, 17 June 2012

Air India readying plans to induct, train new pilots


Hyderabad, June 17:
Air India is putting together a business plan to counter the impact of the on-going pilots strike and resume full services.
The plan includes induction and training of new pilots to put its larger aircraft such as B 737s and A 320s back to the skies.
Currently, the carrier is flying 38 of its scheduled 45 flights on account of the strike.
“Even now, we invite the striking pilots back to work and we are willing to discuss. But we are not waiting (any more)” Mr Ajit Singh, the Union Civil Aviation Minister, told media persons on the sidelines of a book release function here on Sunday.
He said it would take three to six months of training to make pilots capable of flying the larger aircrafts such as B737s and A320s.
Asked whether the measures such as sacking the striking pilots were being considered, he replied: “The Government will not be vindictive. It is in their (striking pilots') interest to resume duties. If they do not, what else can we do?”
Terming the strike as illegal, he pointed out that even the High Court had directed them to resume work.
“There are no major issues. Whatever few issues (there are), the Dharmadhikari report is meant to address these. We have already started discussion. It seems they are not willing to come back to work.”
Mr Singh said the Government has approved a Rs 30,000-crore package to revive the carrier.
“The government will give no more public money to Air India. It (the carrier) should become competitive with the rest of the industry, for otherwise, it cannot survive for long. The (striking) pilots should understand that their survival depends of Air India's survival.”
When pointed out that some foreign airlines dubbed the proposed 49 per cent FDI in Indian aviation as unviable, the Minister made it clear that managements of domestic airlines will remain in the hands of Indians.
“We are not asking anybody (foreign airlines) to take it (FDI offer). It is not compulsory. Those who do not want it, it is their prerogative,” he said.

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