(a) whether Air India has requisitioned pilots from a British firm on contract basis;
(b) if so, the reasons therefor;
(c) whether Air India has floated any tender in this regard;
(d) if not, the reasons therefor;
(e) whether Air India has violated Central Vigilance Commission regulatons in this regard; and
(f) if so, the views of Government in this regard?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION (SHRI PRAFUL PATEL)
(a): Air India has recruited pilots on contract basis from the Irish firm.
(b), (c) and (d): Air India is facing acute shortage of pilots. Therefore, a tender was floated and pilots were recruited from the agency shortlisted as per procedure. However, when adequate number of pilots were not available, and since there were many resignations of Air India pilots which directly affected Air India operations, the Management approved negotiations with three agencies who were capable of providing pilots. The Irish firm was selected as the agency capable of providing pilots at the same rate as approved in tender.
(e): No, Sir,
(f): Does not arise.