By Shahkar Abidi
Air India pilots who were falling over one another to get jobs with the cash-rich and globally expanding Etihad Airways, are now having to do a rethink. This is because 75-odd expat pilots who have been laid off by Singapore Airlines are also gravitating towards Etihad.
According to sources, the Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways is now more keen on recruiting pilots from Singapore Airlines than those from AI. It has already inducted more than 30 AI pilots over the past four months.
The general perception in aviation circles is that Singapore Airlines pilots have a better safety record vis-a-vis the AI staffers. Also, the expat pilots of Singapore Airlines are currently jobless and hence have less bargaining power in comparison to the pilots working with AI. Aspirants from AI have been informed by Etihad that their applications will be considered only after the recruitment of Singapore Airlines’ expat pilots is completed in the next couple of months.
AI pilots stand to gain about a 40 per cent hike in salaries if they join Etihad. Also, the perks are far superior to AI.
Besides, there have long been allegations of salary payments being irregular in AI, though it has been constantly denied by the airline management. The airline officials also observed that and the working conditions are also not conducive for optimal performance.
“The laid-off Singapore Airline pilots have now made our job hunt difficult. We will have to wait for a few months before we could again be considered for selection,” said a senior Air India commander, who did not wish to be named. “I was hoping to get a job offer from Etihad Airways this month. But then the development has spoiled the party for me,” said another pilot.
Etihad Airways officials did not respond to the e-mail query sent to them for the report.
Singapore Airlines had earlier this year decided to ease out 75-odd expat pilots in order to maintain profitability.
Industry sources said Etihad Airways, which recently tied up with Jet Airways, is on an expansion spree and has plans to induct one aircraft every month for the next five years.
Etihad’s investment with Jet Airways is the first case of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in aviation in India, after the recent change in policies.
Laid off Singapore Airline pilots spoil the party for Air India counterparts - Mumbai - DNA