Indian pilots prefer Gulf carriers

Once upon a time, Air India was India’s pride and shine. Travelers would be elated to travel in this airline and experience the hospitality, the excellent cuisine, the superior customer service and value for money, the quintessentially Indian ‘Air India’ is known for. Today, though its in board food remains one of the best, its customer service is a matter of shame. And looks like, many pilots of the Airline are also moving to greener pastures like the way Indian people have.

In the quest for a better package and working conditions, several Air India pilots have moved to airlines like Qatar Airways, Ethiad Airlines and Emirates Airlines. These Gulf carriers are offering nearly 40% more money than the Indian airlines.  Air India has around 115 commanders to operate their Boeing 777 fleet but amongst these, 35 commanders have already found jobs elsewhere. Currently, the airlines requires at least 50 odd pilots as every Boeing 777 operational flights require at least 8 pilots per aircraft and for long distance flights, around 10 pilots per aircraft.

While Air India pilots are paid an average of Rs.4 lakhs per month, Ethiad and Qatar Airlines are offering nearly double the money, around Rs.8.3 lakhs per month. Above this, the pilots would also get free housing, medical insurance and free education for three children up to 21 years of age. Looks like our Indian Airlines need to give our pilots more benefits or soon, we would have to master ‘pilot-less travelling’ or better still, no travelling by Air India at all!