Job fears ground Sahara operations

Mumbai: Insecurity over jobs among the 2,000-odd people working in airports, ticketing, customer service seems to be impacting Air Sahara’s operations, causing distress to passengers dogged by flight delays.
A lack of commitment by Jet Airways —it agreed to retain 1,100 (pilots, engineers and cabin crew) of the 3,000-odd people working in Air Sahara after it took over the airline in April — to retain the staff has made them callous, allege passengers. Jet Airways did not respond to an email questionnaire from the Hindustan Times.
"We are not afraid of losing jobs. But the uncertainty is killing us. Air Sahara has assured us of jobs along with a loyalty bonus irrespective of where we work. But Jet must decide fast," said a Sahara employee based in Delhi who did not wish to be identified.
Many of these 2,000 people, who have not been committed to be retained by Jet, are clueless about their future. Sahara does not know how many are returning to the group, says a group spokesman. A merger could have helped avert this but both airlines will be run independently though they will explore synergies.
Partly, the problem is because Jet is yet to take full control of Air Sahara. Though a 25-member Jet team headed by Gary Kingshot has moved to Delhi to take over Air Sahara’s operations, the earlier management still continues to run the airline.
But sources said Jet was gradually taking control of the airline, asking its department heads to keep an eye on Air Sahara.
30/04/07 Lalatendu Mishra/Hindustan Times

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Categories: Air Sahara Apr 2007