India’s aviation space is grappling with more than just a pilot deficit problem as industry experts highlight the need for the government and the aviation regulator to step in.
In a letter, dated 4 April, to Tata Sons Chairperson N Chandrasekaran, Air India pilots' unions alleged that pilot are being subjected to conditions and treatment ‘reminiscent of bonded labourers’.
Vinod Kannan acknowledged there were issues related to stretched working hours & assured pilots of tweaking the rostering system to make it more relaxed, said an insider.
Directorate General of Civil Aviation also plans to adopt a new regime called Fatigue Risk Management System. Changes, announced Monday, need to be implemented by operators by 1 June.
Suspension of operations at India's largest flying school throws into doubt whether pilot training apparatus can now cater to demand for pilots from airlines as fleets expand.
The sudden death last week of an IndiGo pilot heightened those worries although India's biggest airline says he had a 27-hour break before duty and was in good health.
Action was initiated against the pilots after a complaint from the cabin crew regarding an unauthorised female passenger entering the cockpit of a Delhi-Leh flight last week.
After thousands of pilots were laid off or decided to retire in the face of last year's Covid induced economic crisis, airlines are aggressively trying to rehire staff.
The reach and impact of influencers are so significant that even politicians such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi have recognised their value—the National Creators Award is proof.
Economists say there are weaknesses in India’s GDP data. But statisticians claim the accusations are based on flawed understanding, saying while GDP has problems, the economists are looking in the wrong places.
Coaching centres for Army aspirants in Jhunjhunu are shutting down due to plummeting admissions in the face of a lack of job guarantees under Agnipath Scheme.
COMMENTS