Mumbai/ New Delhi: Low-cost airline SpiceJet has asked the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to increase the notice period for pilots from six months to a year and fix a three-year lock-in period. The demand comes in the wake of several pilots quitting the airline and to prevent poaching by rivals.
SpiceJet has said it has suggested a change in service rules for pilots who fly turboprop planes serving regional routes and not for those operating Boeing 737 or Airbus A320 planes. However, SpiceJet's demand has led to criticism and IndiGo has termed the demand unethical and unreasonable.
IndiGo is the largest domestic airline by market share with 99 Airbus A320s and employs about 1,400 pilots.
DGCA rules require pilots to service a six-month notice period before changing jobs. This rule was introduced in 2009 following several instances of flight cancellations because of mass resignation of pilots.
SpiceJet made the demand after pilots quit to join IndiGo and some Gulf airlines. Other domestic airlines, including GoAir and Air India, have also seen a spate of pilot resignations recently. IndiGo has denied charges of poaching and said its recruitment is undertaken in strict accordance with DGCA guidelines.
21/06/15 Aneesh Phadnis & Somesh Jha/Business Standard
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SpiceJet has said it has suggested a change in service rules for pilots who fly turboprop planes serving regional routes and not for those operating Boeing 737 or Airbus A320 planes. However, SpiceJet's demand has led to criticism and IndiGo has termed the demand unethical and unreasonable.
IndiGo is the largest domestic airline by market share with 99 Airbus A320s and employs about 1,400 pilots.
DGCA rules require pilots to service a six-month notice period before changing jobs. This rule was introduced in 2009 following several instances of flight cancellations because of mass resignation of pilots.
SpiceJet made the demand after pilots quit to join IndiGo and some Gulf airlines. Other domestic airlines, including GoAir and Air India, have also seen a spate of pilot resignations recently. IndiGo has denied charges of poaching and said its recruitment is undertaken in strict accordance with DGCA guidelines.
21/06/15 Aneesh Phadnis & Somesh Jha/Business Standard
