AI mulling the option of hiring expat co-pilots

Mumbai: Hit by frequent agitations by its unionised pilots, Air India is looking at the option of hiring junior pilots from overseas markets, a move that may trigger policy change as the current regulations do not allow recruitment of expats for that position.
The carrier, which is crippled by the ongoing 55-day-old strike by a section of pilots, has approached some recruitment firms for hiring foreign pilots, say sources familiar with the development.
"Along with hiring domestic co-pilots, which is currently in process, Air India also plans to hire junior expat pilots as well. The move, perhaps, is aimed at preempting agitations in future," sources told PTI.
The national carrier had last month issued an advertisement inviting applications from qualified commanders and co-pilots for flying its Boeing fleet, following 420 of its pilots, owing allegiance to now-derecognised Indian Pilots Guild, refusing to call off their stir despite repeated appeals by aviation minister Ajit Singh.
01/07/12 Press Trust of India/Business Standard

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Categories: Air India Jul 2012, Foreign Jul 2011