Question : AIR INDIA EXPRESS

(a) whether Air India Express (AIE) proposes to expand its fleet strength/fill the shortage of Commanders/pilots, revise pay package of its existing Commanders/ pilots and achieve a better target of working hours;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the targets set, if any along with the steps taken by the Government in this regard;

(c) whether AIE is not presently able to utilize fully its fleet due to shortage of pilots;

(d) if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the corrective steps taken by the Government in this regard?

Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION ( SHRI K. C. VENUGOPAL )

(a), (b) and (e) : As on date there is no proposal to acquire more Aircraft by Air India Express (AIE). However, the Turn Around Plan of Air India envisages increase in the fleet strength of AIE from the present 21 to 36 aircraft. In order to meet the shortage of Commanders, AIE has issued a vacancy circular to recruit 40 Commanders with type rating as Examiners/ Instructors/ Check Pilots. An increase in pay package of Commanders/Co-Pilots has also been approved in AIE. The available Commanders/Pilots in AIE are fully utilized and the aircraft utilization is proposed to be increased from 8.5 hours to 10.5 hours after recruitment of more Commanders/Pilots.

(c) and (d): Yes, Madam. As against the requirement of 126 Commanders and 126 co-Pilots, AIE has 91 Commanders and 95 Co-Pilots.