Air India onboarded 650 pilots since April this year, says CEO
Air India’s recent endeavors reflect a proactive stance in fortifying its operations and modernizing its fleet. Over the past several months, the airline has embarked on a robust recruitment drive, successfully bringing on board approximately 650 pilots since the start of this year in April. This strategic hiring initiative underscores Air India’s steadfast commitment to bolstering its flight crew, a pivotal step in meeting the escalating demands for its aviation services.
In conjunction with its pilot recruitment efforts, Air India is making significant strides in expanding its widebody Boeing 777 fleet. The airline anticipates the addition of two more Boeing 777 aircraft by the first week of the current month, with one already in operational service.
This expansion signals a substantial enhancement of Air India’s long-haul capabilities, particularly on routes to the United States, where the Boeing 777 aircraft’s reputation for reliability and efficiency is well-suited for the rigors of extended transcontinental travel. These developments underscore Air India’s dedication to elevating its operational capacity and passenger services, solidifying its position as a prominent player in the aviation industry.
Additionally, last year, Air India unveiled plans to lease a total of 11 Boeing 777s, including six B777-300ERs and five B777-200-LRs. These aircraft acquisitions are aimed at bolstering its long-haul offerings, primarily on North American routes.
Notably, the return of two long-grounded Boeing 787s signifies progress in addressing any maintenance or operational issues, allowing the airline to further improve its service reliability. These developments collectively reflect Air India’s efforts to modernize its fleet and enhance passenger services.
The recent developments at Air India, including the recruitment of over 650 pilots and the expansion of the Boeing 777 fleet, are notable achievements. However, it’s essential to highlight that these advancements occur amidst concerns raised by the aviation safety regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
The DGCA temporarily suspended all training activities at Air India’s facilities in Mumbai and Hyderabad due to identified “lapses” during a spot check. The Mumbai facility provides training for Boeing fleet pilots, while the Hyderabad facility is used for training on the narrowbody Airbus A320 family fleet.
Despite this regulatory setback, Air India’s CEO Campbell Wilson emphasized the success of the Group Hiring Cell (GHC) in recruiting and onboarding pilots since April 1. GHC represents the airline’s first integrated initiative, involving cross-air operator certificate (AOC) and cross-functional teams, indicating the airline’s commitment to talent acquisition and growth.
While Air India faces challenges related to safety compliance, its efforts to expand and enhance services remain evident through its recruitment endeavors and fleet expansions. The airline will likely need to address the regulatory concerns promptly while continuing to pursue its growth and modernization goals.
The collaborative efforts of executives from the three airlines within the Air India group to recruit pilots en masse have proven to be fruitful, with recruitment efforts ongoing. Furthermore, the recent weeks have marked a significant milestone in the airline’s expansion plans.
Air India has added not one but two new Boeing 777 aircraft to its fleet, bringing the total to six for the year. Of these two, one is a Boeing 777-200LR, which will be strategically deployed on North American routes. This deployment will enable Air India to enhance its services, potentially upgrading frequencies to destinations like San Francisco and New York, and introducing a premium economy class option for passengers.
The other aircraft is the first of six new Boeing 777-300ERs, intended to increase capacity on various routes, supporting the airline’s growth and improving passenger connectivity. These developments showcase Air India’s commitment to expanding its fleet and services, despite the regulatory challenges it has faced.
