Air India to Reduce Flight On Select US Routes Due to Crew Shortage

Air India, an Indian full-service carrier which is owned by the Tata Group, will temporarily reduce the frequency of flights on certain US routes due to a crew shortage issue, according to the company’s CEO Campbell Wilson.

Speaking at the CAPA India Summit in New Delhi, Wilson said that the airline plans to add 100 pilots for Boeing 777 planes in the next three months to mitigate the shortage.

Air India plans to add 100 pilots for Boeing 777 planes over the next three months, and around 1,400 cabin crew are currently in training. The airline has a staff strength of approximately 11,000 people, including flying and non-flying employees.

It is worth noting that, in January 2022, Tata Group acquired Air India, Air India Express, and a 50% stake in AIATSL.

The airline has committed $400 million to refurbishing the interiors of its entire wide-body fleet and previously announced plans to buy 470 planes from Airbus and Boeing, including 70 wide-body planes, with an option to buy an additional 370 planes from the two plane makers.

Voluntary retirement offer made for non-flying staff

Air India recently made a voluntary retirement offer to its non-flying employees. The offer is open to permanent general cadre officers over the age of 40 who have completed at least five years of continuous service with the airline, as well as clerical and unskilled categories of employees who have completed at least five years of continuous service.

The offer is valid until April 30th.

Merger of AirAsia India with Air India Express and Vistara with Air India initiated

In addition, the merger of AirAsia India, rebranded as AIX Connect, with Air India Express, as well as the merger of Vistara with Air India, has begun. Under Vihaan, Air India has established a five-year transformation roadmap. Air India is implementing a variety of measures to improve its operations and services.