(a) whether there is a shortage of trained commanders in Air India;
(b) if so, whether overseas pilots would be joining the Air India as commanders;
(c) if so, the reasons therefor;
(d) whether the Government has drawn up any plan to give the necessary training to the Indian pilots; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
- MINISTER OF STATE(INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION( SHRI PRAFUL PATEL )
(a), (b) and (c): Yes, Sir. The gestation time for becomming a Commander is at least 6 to 7 years on basic aircraft and 10 to 12 years on advanced aircraft like B747. Since Air India has embarked on a strategy of growth and network expansion in order to increase its market share, Air India has dry leased 18 aircraft so far. To tide over the shortage of Commanders arising out of this expansion, Air India has taken 15 foreign pilots on contract for a period of one year as a bridging arrangement till such time their pilots are trained on various types of aircraft in Air India`s fleet.
(d) and (e): Air India has recruited 135 pilots since April 2002 who are undergoing training.