Thursday, 13 December 2012

Air India Express plans optimal use of its fleet


Kochi, Dec 13:  
Air India Express (AIX) has decided to utilise its fleet of 21 aircraft more optimally. A decision in this regard was taken at the 187 {+t} {+h} Board meeting held in Kochi on Thursday.
Speaking to reporters after the board meeting, Ansbert D’souza, Chief Operating Officer, Air India Express, said that at present AIX flies nine hours out of every 24 hours. With the decision to augment the commander force, he said this productivity of nine hours could escalate to minimum of 11 hours making AIX one of the best low-cost airline in the country.
The Board also discussed the issue of shortage of commanders and it was decided to hire more trainer commanders or instructor pilots who in turn will help in upgrade the existing pilot forces. The number of trainer commanders will be increased to 13. Currently, there are only four. It was also decided to take necessary measures to improve the emoluments and working conditions to make it comparable with the best industry standards. This will ensure the continued service of existing commanders and an advertisement is being issued to enable more commanders to join Air India Express at the earliest.
At present, AIE has got 190 commanders against the requirement of 252 to operate 21 fleets. The focus will be more on trainers to expedite the training.
To expedite the training of the existing trainee co pilots, it was also decided to hire pilot instructors from abroad. These foreign pilot instructors will not only enhance the strength of the existing commanders but will also ensure that the trainee co-pilots complete their training soon. Instructions have also been given to upgrade the senior commanders as instructor pilots, he added.
Pushpinder Singh, Deputy COO, Air India Express, said that it has also been decided to augment the existing number of officers at the corporate headquarters at Kochi within the first week of January.

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