AI looks for foreign pilots to man its flights

Kochi: Failing to attract desi aviators to operate its Boeing 737-800 fleet, low-cost carrier Air India Express is thinking of hiring foreign commanders and pilots. Aimed at uninterrupted service, the airline had launched a recruitment drive for pilots in which preference was given to Indians.

“But there was a lukewarm response and the number of pilots who applied not even crossed five,” said S Chandrakumar, Chief Operating Officer of AI Express.
The airline’s plan was to recruit 25 commanders and 20 co-pilots.
The AI Express fleet consists of 21 B737-800 aircraft and it operates nearly 100 flights per week, mainly from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala. At present, the airline has 108 commanders, of which 15 are expatriates.
“We prefer Indians as hiring expatriate commanders is expensive. However, we are left with no option,” Chandrakumar said.
The remuneration for a commander with AI Express is $100,000( Rs 4.94 lakh) per month. Aimed at luring native aviators, the airline had announced extra perks that amount to Rs 1 lakh.
28/03/12 Babu K Peter/New Indian Express/IBN Live

3 thoughts on “AI looks for foreign pilots to man its flights

  1. the OPENING was only for SC/ST/OBC candidates, that was the silliest opening ever, how can CO PILOTS APPLY ????

  2. No fool of a Capt would leave his secure job for an additional 1L and join AI, specially when media daily reports that pilots on its present payroll are not paid dues for over 4 months.

    Dangling this carrot won’t just work.

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