GURUGRAM- Air India (AI) has assigned 30 first officers, also known as co-pilots, to assist with Airbus A320 aircraft operations for Vistara (UK) amidst its pilot shortage.
“These pilots have commenced training…for the narrow-body aircraft [A320],” stated an official. “This marks the first instance of Air India’s A320 pilots being assigned…”
Air India Pilots to Vistara
Another official mentioned that the first officers will undergo training and will be ready to operate flights within a month. However, it was clarified that this deputation is unrelated to the ongoing crew issues.
Vistara, which is on the verge of merging with Air India, has been grappling with flight disruptions due to crew shortages, leading to a reduction in operations by approximately 10% or around 25-30 daily flights. Previously, Vistara operated slightly over 300 flights daily.
Between April 1 and April 6, approximately 150 Vistara flights were canceled due to pilot sick reports. The airline’s CEO, Vinod Kannan, has reassured pilots of improved rostering and a better work-life balance.
Kannan mentioned that 98% of the pilots have signed new contracts, attributing flight cancellations to a combination of various factors. Initially, pilots had declined to sign revised contracts due to concerns such as pay cuts.
In an email to Vistara staff on April 11, Kannan expressed the airline’s efforts to enhance the situation, stating that the worst is now behind them.
He noted that operations have stabilized, with an on-time performance (OTP) reaching 89% on April 9, 2024, marking the second-highest among all Indian airlines. Kannan added that they are collaborating with relevant teams to enhance operational resilience.
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