GURUGRAM- Vistara (UK), an airline owned by the Tata Group, has been grappling with persistent flight cancellations for the fourth consecutive day, despite appeals from pilots at sister airline Air India (AI) for the group chairman to address the concerns of Vistara pilots.
According to two unnamed Vistara officials who spoke to a prominent media outlet, around 20 flights were canceled on Thursday, bringing the total number of cancellations to approximately 147.
Air India Union Supports Vistara Pilots
Although approximately 20 Vistara flights were canceled on Thursday, there was a slight improvement in its on-time performance (OTP) from 85.9 percent on Wednesday to 86.4 percent on Thursday, as per one of the sources.
An airline spokesperson emphasized that efforts are being made to mitigate the impact of cancellations.
To minimize inconvenience to passengers, cancellations are being made well before departure dates as the airline has temporarily reduced its capacity while ensuring adequate connectivity across its network. Additionally, the spokesperson stated that the airline offers alternative flight options or refunds to affected passengers as deemed appropriate.
Vistara pilots have called in sick after being pressured to sign revised contracts that reduce flying hours for co-pilots from 70 to 40 hours and decrease salaries.
An airline representative attributed the airline’s predicament to inadequate planning and scheduling. They cited a shortage of designated examiners required for pilot training and certification tests. However, the airline countered this claim, affirming, “We can confirm that we have a sufficient number of instructors.”
CEO Meets Pilots
CEO Vinod Kannan held a 30-minute town hall meeting with pilots on Wednesday, reassuring them that flight operations would normalize by the weekend.
He also pledged to adjust pilots‘ schedules to ensure a better work-life balance.
Meanwhile, Air India’s two pilots unions, the Indian Pilots Guild (representing Boeing pilots) and the Indian Commercial Pilots Guild (representing Airbus pilots), addressed a letter to Tata Group chairman N Chandrasekaran on Thursday, urging dialogue with pilots to address the concerns of Vistara pilots.
AI Union Writes to Tata Chairman
The unions emphasized, “It’s crucial to recognize that the concerns voiced by Vistara pilots aren’t isolated occurrences but rather indicative of systemic issues spanning various Tata Group aviation entities.”
The letter continued, “Vistara pilots have consistently advocated for fixed compensation for 70 hours of work, improved working conditions, and stable schedules. Following thorough assessment and consultation, we firmly believe that their demands are reasonable and indicative of broader challenges prevalent within Tata Group airlines.”
Pilots highlighted issues such as fixed remuneration for 70 hours of work, difficulties obtaining leave approvals, inadequate rest periods, unstable schedules, excessive workload, and an unsupportive work environment. They claim these issues resonate with pilots across different Tata Group airlines.
“…it is disheartening to witness instances where pilots are exploited, overburdened, and deprived of their fundamental rights across Tata Group Airlines… we urge Tata Group leadership to engage in meaningful dialogue with the pilot community, attentively listen to their feedback, and take proactive steps to address their legitimate grievances. By addressing the concerns raised by Vistara pilots, Tata Group can demonstrate its commitment to nurturing a culture of equity, transparency, and employee well-being across all its aviation ventures. This commitment is currently lacking,” the pilots asserted.
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