Pilfering of whisky and caviar 'driving Air India bankrupt'

New Delhi: Theft, fraud and abuse of perks by pilots and crew has set India's national carrier on course to bankruptcy, the aviation minister has claimed, with staff caught stealing whisky and caviar, and being chauffeured in limousines to five-star hotels.
In eight years Air India, known as the Maharaja for its turbaned cartoon mascot, has fallen from profit to an estimated pounds 6.3bn in debt. In frustration, Ajit Singh, India's aviation minister, has said the country does not need a national carrier.
Air India is investigating 161 cases of theft, fraud and abuse of perks, Singh told MPs on Wednesday.
One catering officer was caught stealing caviar worth around pounds 300, while a purser was discovered walking away with more than 370 spirit miniatures.
18/05/12 Dean Nelson/Daily News & Analysis

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Categories: Air India May 2012