IndiGo asks govt to relax rules for hiring expat pilots

Mumbai: The country’s second largest private carrier by market share, IndiGo, has asked the government to relax the rules for hiring expatriate pilots under the Foreign Aircrew Temporary Authorisation (FATA) policy. The proposal, if approved, would allow the carrier to engage experienced pilots quitting crisis-ridden Kingfisher Airlines. “The airline has written to the Civil Aviation Ministry for waiver of additional security clearance and for transfer of FATA with respect to expatriate pilots flying in India,” industry sources said.

According to a report by The Financial Express, with the low-cost airline expanding its fleet by adding almost one aircraft every month, it needs commander-level pilots. While there is an over-supply of entry-level pilots in the country, the industry depends on foreign pilots at commander-level, experienced in flying commercial jets. The airline, which currently operates with 49 airplanes, is expanding its international operations to West Asia and Southeast Asian countries. As per an estimate, there are currently 450 expatriate pilots holding FATA.
As per existing rules, an expat pilot has to go back to his own country after completing his term with an Indian carrier and re-apply to a rival airline from there. In case the rival airline plans to hire them, they have to again go through the security clearance, medical tests and other procedures, adding to procedural delays.
27/12/11 TravelBizMonitor

~ by anand213 on January 16, 2012.