Air India’s flight schedule to the US is affected due to crew shortage. The airline has halted three flights each to San Francisco and Newark airports for the next three months till it has adequate number of pilots to operate the 777 fleet.
Speaking at recent event in India, Campbell Wilson, CEO of Air India, said: “The airline is planning to recruit another 100 pilots for the 777s, post which there won’t be any pilot shortage for another three to four years.”
A lot is going on with the airline right now, and it is growing as well as shrinking at the same time. Indeed, Air India has been offering some of its older employees to retire early while also hiring new talents. Air India will add 1,700 captains, including 140 ex-pats, soon and that around 1,400 cabin crew are also in training,” he further added.
Air India’s flights to North America have been rescheduled or cancelled in the past few months due to crew shortage.
With more 777s joining Air India’s fleet recently and many more widebody aircraft to come in a few months to years, the airline will need thousands of qualified pilots for smooth operations.