Air India stir: Govt looking at closing overseas operations

NEW DELHI: With close to 400 pilots of erstwhile Air India remaining 'sick' for the fifth straight day on Saturday and even the 111 senior executive pilots (who are still flying) writing in support of their colleagues, the government is now looking at stopping AI's international operations early next week. The aviation ministry, which so far said AI pilots must first resume work and then only talks could be held with them, has hardened its stance on the weekend.

"We will not talk to the derecognized Indian Pilots' Guild, its NCP MLA and non-pilot president and the 11 members of IPG whose licences have been recommended for cancellation. The AI pilots must find new interlocutors who can talk to the ministry or management, something that will happen only after they join work unconditionally," said highly placed sources.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation on Saturday served show cause notice to the 11 pilots whose licences have been moved for cancellation and asked them to reply within a week. The tough stance came as 111 executive (senior level) pilots of erstwhile AI wrote to the government sympathizing with the pilots. There were unconfirmed reports that some of them too may too report sick.

"Executive pilots say we must talk to IPG. Our stand has been clear from Day One that they must join work first. If things deteriorate or hundreds of pilots remain away from cockpits, we will shut down the international operations. Only foreign flights operated by erstwhile Indian Airlines and those operated by expats, re-hired retired pilots and on wet leased aircraft (that come with crew) will remain," said sources.

While not buckling to IPG, the aviation ministry is bracing for more such agitations in coming days as the Dharamdhikari committee report on bringing parity between erstwhile AI and IA employees begins to get implemented in coming weeks. "There can be no additional financial burden from HR side (read pay, allowances and perks) in the new order. We are looking at a saving of Rs 250 crore in first year from this front. Some people may not be happy and we are ready for more agitations. This was inevitable and cannot be delayed any further if AI has to be saved," said sources. Aviation minister Ajit Singh was among the few who made a case for the Rs 30,000-crore bailout for AI in the Cabinet meeting. Many senior ministers were not in favour of pumping in more money in the "black hole" that AI is now. Singh's plea for one chance to revive the airline - that won the package - is set to be tested soon.