AI starts massive pilot training programme

New Delhi: Readying itself for the eventuality of facing massive pilot shortage even as it starts inducting 68 new Boeing aircraft over the coming years, Air India (AI) has begun the process of hiring fresh science graduates from this year for pilot training.

The State-owned carrier eventually intends to hire over 700 young science graduates, at the rate of 100 a year, and spread out over seven years, to undergo commercial pilot licence training at premier flying schools overseas.

All 68 aircraft will be inducted, in a phased manner, by 2011.

According to AI estimates, the carrier would likely spend over Rs140 crore, at the rate of Rs20 lakh per candidate, to train these recruits at four premier flying schools based in the US and two other European nations. As per AI plans, after successful completion of the flying course, these qualified pilots would have to sign a bond of 10 years with the carrier.

Air-India has already conducted a written examination across the country for fresh recruits and the selection process is expected to be complete in a month or two. The selected candidates are expected to go abroad for training from July.

Of the total order of 68 Boeing aircraft, bought at an estimated cost of Rs33,000 crore, the first lot of six Boeing 737-800 aircraft would join the AI fleet by the end of July. A merger process with the other State-owned carrier, Indian Airlines, is already underway and is expected to be complete in all respects sometime next year.

AI officials estimate that currently, 2,940 pilots are employed in the country's aviation industry, as against a requirement of 3,160 pilots, leaving a shortfall of around seven per cent. They estimate that over the next five years the industry will need 4,500 more.

As of now, the Maharajah faces a shortfall of 118 pilots.