Air India news: HC okays pilots' ongoing B777 training, stays further ones

NEW DELHI: Refusing to disturb the ongoing training of Air India pilots on advanced Boeing 777 to be used in international flights, the Delhi High Court today stayed further training of more pilots till implementation of Justice Dharmadhikari panel recommendations on the issue.

The high court's order came on a plea by erstwhile Indian Airlines pilots, for a stay on management's decision to train only erstwhile Air India pilots on the ground that they have been selected "arbitrarily."

"I hereby make it clear that those pilots of Air India, who are already on training on advanced aircrafts, shall not be disturbed," said Justice Suresh Kait, adding, however, "... those who have already taken the training on advance aircraft shall be subject to the outcome of the instant petition."

"I am of the considered opinion that till the report submitted by Justice Dharmadhikari Committee is implemented, the imparting of training on advanced aircraft, in this manner, shall remain stayed," the court said.

The court's verdict came on a plea by the erstwhile Indian Airlines pilots under the banner of Indian Commercial Pilots Association (ICPA) for an order to stay the ongoing training and also direct Air India to impart training to them as well along with their counterparts in Air India for the rank of Commanders for Boeing 777.