Some 200-odd pilots from cash-strapped Go First have joined Air India, with about 75 pilots already in training sessions since this week.
Air India held walk-in interviews for pilots in Bengaluru, Delhi and Mumbai within days of Go First cancelling flights. Air India said got more than 700 applications to its recruitment advertisement.
Sources claim that 75 Go First pilots started classroom training on Air India's operational policies, manuals and other aspects. The pilots will undergo simulator training before being released for duty. The new recruits submitted indemnity letters to Air India as they weren't relieved from Go First.
Both Go First and Air India operate Airbus A320 type aircraft. Air India also operates the A319 and A321 variants too.
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive of Go First, Kaushik Khona has announced a retention allowance for pilots to prevent more exits.
"Captains and First Officers will be paid an extra INR 100,000 and INR 50,000 with effect from June 1. The allowance will be paid to pilots who were on the airline’s payroll as on May 31 and also to those who are willing to withdraw their resignation letters by June 15," Khona said.
"The airline also plans to introduce a longevity bonus for its pilots", Khona added.