Question : CABIN CREW STAFF

(a): whether Air India has decided to hire a large number of air hostesses on contract basis;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation thereto;

(c) whether the Government has received several complaints regarding shortage of cabin crew staff/harassment of cabin crew on contract basis during the last three years and the current year;

(d) if so, the details thereof indicating the nature of these complaints along with the action taken by the Government thereon; and

(e) the details of the medical facilities being provided to cabin crew staff of national carrier including air hostesses?

Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION (Dr. Mahesh Sharma)

(a) and (b): Yes, Madam. Air India have appointed 55 experienced cabin crew on contractual basis. DGCA is a safety regulator and has no role in the recruitment of Cabin Crew by Air India.

(c) and (d): No, Madam.

(e): Cabin Crew are given monthly medical allowance per month to cover medical expenses or for payment of premium for mediclaim insurance. Air India also conducts out patient medical care (OPD) to serving and retired employees including cabin crew, medical examination and weight checks on cabin crew as per CAR of DGCA, fitness evaluation of cabin crew suffering from prolonged sickness, Aviation medicine activities like pre and post flight medical examination on crew. In case of any epidemic, WHO, ICAO guidelines are followed and suitable advisory consisting of preventive measures is communicated to crew for their own and passenger safety.