Number of expat pilots going down in India: Mahesh Sharma

New Delhi: The number of expat pilots in the country has decreased over the year with domestic carriers promoting nearly 1,000 co-pilots since 2012, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Mahesh Sharma informed Lok Sabha today.

According to the minister, a total of 942 co-pilots from across 12 airlines was promoted to the senior pilot’s position between January 1, 2012 and July 28 this year.

While a total of 217 co-pilots were upgraded in 2012, the domestic carriers brought 288 first officers to the commander’s position on the plane in 2013.

Another 268 co-pilots were promoted to senior pilot’s position in 214, he said, adding till July this year as many as 169 co-pilots had joined the pilot’s seat on the aircraft.
03/08/15 PTI/Economic Times