Air India, which previously retired pilots at 58, would now grant a few pilots an extension for an additional five years as it gets ready for a significant fleet increase. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation and many airlines across the world permit pilots to fly until they are 65, and AI intends to follow suit for pilots with a flawless safety and disciplinary record.
The Tata Group is anticipated to place a significant order for its airlines now that an aviation veteran has recently been granted security clearance to take over as MD-CEO. The wide body alternative, the Airbus A350, has been chosen, and a decision about single aisles will be made soon.
“It is critical that we meet our workforce requirement for pilots given our fleet’s future development ambitions. DGCA enables pilots to continue flying till the age of 65, as opposed to Air India’s 58-year retirement limit. The majority of airlines in the sector follow the policy of allowing pilots to fly until the age of 65. According to S. D. Tripathi, AI’s chief human resource officer (CHRO), in the company’s policy on post-retirement engagement (of) pilots,” published on July 29, it is proposed to retain our current trained pilots at Air India post retirement on a contractual basis for 5 years extendable to 65 years.
AI has established a screening procedure to choose pilots who will receive an extension past the age of 58. “A committee comprising of the functional representatives of HR, operations and flight safety will be constituted to examine the eligibility of pilots retiring in the next two years. The committee will be responsible for reviewing the past records of the pilots with respect to discipline, flight safety and vigilance. Post the review, the committee will recommend shortlisted names to the CHRO for issuing them post retirement contract,” the policy says.
“One year prior to pilots’ retirement, they will be issued a letter of intent for their post-retirement engagement. The contract would be issued for a period of five years extendable up to 65 years. Post-retirement contract will include a clause for annual review of the contract basis performance, conduct and flight safety record. On completion of five years of satisfactory service, a comprehensive examination of their performance will be considered for further extension till 65 years. This will be reviewed by the constituted committee,” Tripathi’s policy says.
Additionally, as soon as a pilot reaches the age of 65, their application forms for airport entrance passes and business ID cards will include their date of retirement. This allows for timely AEP renewal/issuance at the time of post-retirement engagement.
Source: businessupturn.com
