AAI hires former traffic controllers to meet shortage

New Delhi: A worrying shortage of air traffic controllers continues to grip Airports Authority of India (AAI). At present, there is a difference of about 250 between the sanctioned strength and the actual strength. Among the 1,900 ATCOs, about 25 are retired controllers while another 200-300 are trainees.
Speaking at the inauguration of a two-day seminar to mark the international day for air traffic controllers in Delhi, minister for civil aviation Praful Patel on Wednesday said that he had to intervene and ask AAI to recruit retired controllers.
Sources said a reassessment of the required strength was also required. “At present, the sanctioned strength is 2,150 whereas the actual strength is 1,900. However, this number was fixed several years back after which scope of work and area has drastically changed,” said an official.
21/10/10 Times of India