LOSSES DUE TO PILOTS’ STRIKE IN AIR INDIA

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RAJYA SABHA

The Management of Air India suspended 46 pilots due to their refusal to operate the flights on various sectors. However, no pilot has been dismissed from the service as on date. The Management has revoked the suspension of all the 46 pilots. However, disciplinary proceeding is continuing against them.

Air India has suffered an estimated loss of Rs.3.7 crore on account of pilot strike during April-May, 2003. The Company has incurred an additional expenditure of about Rs.200 crore during the financial year 2002-03 vis-a-vis 2001-02 partly due to 11% increase in average fuel prices.

The Government of India and the Management of Air India took all necessary steps for minimizing the adverse impact on Air India’s operations and avoiding inconvenience to passengers. Air India maintained all of its USA/UK/Europe flights and only a few flights on other sectors were cancelled. Air India also initiated appropriate disciplinary action against the striking pilots. Air India’s operations are now normal as per their commercial requirements.

This information was given by the Civil Aviation Minister Shri Rajiv Pratap Rudy in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.