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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