Airlines’ merger may not end ‘freebie’ culture

New Delhi: The promised amalgamation of the two state-owned carriers, Air-India and Indian, by 15 July, promises a change in work culture and other reforms. But the indications are that the merged entity, to be named Air India, would retain its sarkari colour.
This is thanks to its core team of managers, who are bent on holding on to their retirement benefits. These include “lifetime free air travel” for themselves, their spouses and children, besides scores of other perks unheard of in private airlines.
DGCA records note that retired employees of Air-India on completion of 25 years of service are entitled to a 95 per cent discount on air fare ~ and the discount is valid for “unlimited” air travel in the domestic sector for “self, spouse and children”. Retired executives of the rank of deputy general manager and above are eligible for 100 per cent discount. In the case of Indian Airlines, employees who retire after 25 years of service are entitled to “four free tickets for self and family”.
According to an official estimate, over 15,000 retired Air-India employees and their families enjoy free air travel while over 36,000 retired employees of Indian Airlines make use of this perk.
18/05/07 Sanjay Singh/The Statesman

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Categories: Air India May 2007, Indian May 2007