GURUGRAM- Air India’s (AI) ambitious revitalization plan has entered its “climb” phase just over two years after the Tata Group, its founding entity, took over.
According to a progress chart prepared by Tata for AI, obtaining NCLT approval for merging Vistara (UK) into AI and using the newly-acquired Airbus A350s for long and ultra-long-haul international routes are the upcoming milestones for the Maharaja.
Air India CEO Addresses Employees
However, addressing the increasing discontent among pilots, not only within the crisis-hit Vistara but also across other group airlines, which is not explicitly mentioned on the chart, is crucial to prevent future flight disruptions akin to those experienced by Vistara earlier this week.
AI MD & CEO Campbell Wilson mentioned in his weekly message to employees on Friday that AI has “onboarded the first batch of cadet pilots who will soon commence ground training with our partner flying schools in the US later this month…. our cabin crew team also cleared the backlog of training batches and marked the release-to-service of our 4,000th new crew member since privatization! These new colleagues join our great group of experienced leaders and mentors, and together, with an average age of 28, they will personify the new Air India around the world.”
AI recently introduced its overhauled loyalty program, Flying Returns, which Wilson describes as being “aligned with the best programs globally” and incorporates numerous changes and enhancements.
These include transitioning from a miles-based system to one based on expenditure, increased redemption options, pooling miles with family members, and combining miles with cash for easier redemption, among other features.
Group Loyalty Program
Furthermore, AI plans to launch a “group loyalty” program in the future, potentially encompassing all airlines under its umbrella.
“This new version of Flying Returns marks a significant advancement in our customer offerings. Alongside the various enhancements we’re implementing in aircraft, websites, and services, this should enhance our ability to attract and retain customers while better acknowledging and rewarding their loyalty,” he elaborated.
Beginning this month, the airline has transitioned “from the initial take-off phase of Vihaan.AI (the transformation program) to the climb phase, where we leverage the foundations and capabilities developed over the past 18 months to accelerate and expand toward our goal of becoming a world-class, global airline with an Indian essence.”
He also mentioned that the airline has introduced its third A350 on the Mumbai–Delhi trunk route, alongside two new A320s that have been added to the fleet.
Vistara Pilots Crisis
The letter was issued against the backdrop of Vistara, its sister airline, experiencing significant operational delays and cancellations due to pilots collectively taking ‘sick leave’ to protest against the new compensation structure and tight schedules.
Reports suggest that the pilots are discontented with the new contract terms offered post the merger with Air India, fearing it may impede their career advancement.
On April 4, two pilot unions of Air India also penned a letter to Tata Group Chairman N Chandrasekaran, extending support to Vistara pilots and urging the leadership to proactively address their grievances.
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