(a) the number of pilots suspended/dismissed on account of their refusal to fly to some countries due to spread of SARS;
(b) whether the Government have since reinstated all the said pilots;
(c) the estimated financial loss suffered on account of strike of pilots and the loss due to rise in price of turbine fuel; and
(d) the efforts made by the Government to make up the losses and the outcome of the said efforts?
MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION ( SHRI RAJIV PRATAP RUDY )
(a) and (b): The Management of Air India suspended 46 pilots due to their refusal to operate the flights on various sectors. However, no pilot has been dismissed from the service as on date. The Management has revoked the suspension of all the 46 pilots. However, disciplinary proceeding is continuing against them.
(c): Air India has suffered an estimated loss of Rs.3.7 crores on account of pilot strike during April-May, 2003. The Company has incurred an additional expenditure of about Rs. 200 crores during the financial year 2002-03 vis-a-vis 2001-02 partly due to 11% increase in average fuel prices.
(d): The Government of India and the Management of Air India took all necessary steps for minimizing the adverse impact on Air India`s operations and avoiding inconvenience to passengers. Air India maintained its all USA/UK/Europe flights and only a few flights on other sectors were cancelled. Air India also initiated appropriate disciplinary action against the striking pilots. Air India`s operation are now normal as per their commercial requirement.