AI rolls out contingency plans, operates 19 flights

New Delhi: As the Air India executive pilots' strike entered its third day, the airline rolled out its contingency schedule, operating 19 flights of a scheduled 25 flights domestic and international for the day. Officials reported that despite combining several flights, the load on many was much less than usual due to the several cancellations the airline had received in the last couple of days. The day, however, was marked by the much expected talk between the airline management and the disgruntled pilots' group. However, a two-hour-long discussion ended in a stalemate as both sides refused to budge from their stands.
Air India normally operates 54-55 flights out of Delhi daily. Based on availability of pilots, the airline had been drawing daily schedules but even then, there were some cancellations. "Depending on our load to various sectors, we have had to press into service suitable aircraft. For Mumbai we had to operate an A-310 with a capacity of 230 passengers. All the seats were occupied. However, many people have been cancelling their bookings so we are not getting a good estimation of the loads. Our load is down by almost half of the estimated number,'' said an official.
The situation is likely to be much worse on Monday, as the long weekend draws to a close and people will be travelling back to their homes or places of work.
28/09/09 Times of India

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Categories: Air India Domestic Sep 2009, NACIL Sep 2009