Senior IndiGo pilots leave to join Tata-SIA

May 13, 2014 1 Comment 289 Views

The pilots’ under-ground network is abuzz with news of some senior level exits from India’s largest domestic airline, IndiGo, to the new airline being floated by the Tata-Singapore Airlines joint venture.

Three senior captains, one A320 type rating instructor pilot (typically a captain with over 10,000 hours flight experience), and two check pilots (pilots who supervise route-check flights to certify other pilots) have reportedly put in their papers. The rumour mill also has a senior captain in flight safety leaving to join the Tata-Singapore Airlines joint venture as head of flight safety.

IndiGo will face further pressure, as apparently many of their senior pilots along with A320 pilots from national carrier Air India, attended the open-day conducted by gulf major, Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways, which is a 24 percent stake holder in India’s Jet Airways.

Etihad is expected to commence interviews from next week and is looking for senior pilots including trainers and examiners. In past their have been murmurs of discontent amongst the IndiGo flight crew with the airline’s management.

About Devesh Agarwal

A electronics and automotive product management, marketing and branding expert, he was awarded a silver medal at the Lockheed Martin innovation competition 2010. He is ranked 6th on Mashable's list of aviation pros on Twitter and in addition to Bangalore Aviation, he has contributed to leading publications like Aviation Week, Conde Nast Traveller India, The Economic Times, and The Mint (a Wall Street Journal content partner). He remains a frequent flier and shares the good, the bad, and the ugly about the Indian aviation industry without fear or favour.

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One comment

  1. Oussama
    May 15, 2014 at 21:08

    As airlines in the region expand the requirements for pilots especially seniors, TRIs and TREs will grow. I can see why TATA-SIA want to attract local pilots as opposed to international. My guess is an increase in salaries is minimal compared to the licensing, recruitment, repatriation and housing costs

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