Tata Group-owned Air India has announced a significant salary hike for its pilots, along with an annual performance bonus, effective from April 1. According to the official statement, pilots will receive an increase in their fixed pay ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 15,000 per month, depending on their rank, from First Officer to Senior Commander. However, Junior First Officers will not see any salary increment in this appraisal period.
In addition to the salary hike, Air India has introduced an annual performance bonus scheme. Bonuses will range from Rs 42,000 to Rs 1.8 lakh, allocated based on the pilot's position. Specifically, First Officers and Captains will receive an annual bonus of Rs 60,000, Commanders will get Rs 1.32 lakh, and Senior Commanders will be awarded Rs 1.8 lakh.
The airline also addressed compensation for pilots who have faced delays in their ground and simulator training. "Pilots who underwent command upgrade and conversion training from April 2023 to March 2024 and whose training was delayed due to justifiable organisational reasons will receive additional compensation for time spent in training beyond the guaranteed 40 hours of flying," Air India stated. Detailed information regarding this compensation will be communicated individually, with payouts scheduled alongside June's flying allowances.
This announcement comes amidst growing concerns highlighted by the Air India Express Employees Union (AIXEU) regarding flight delays and cancellations, which have negatively impacted cabin crew salaries. The union noted that over 100 cabin crew members have been idle for the past two months due to the unavailability of airport entry passes.
Earlier this month, on May 9, a strike by cabin crew was called off following a meeting between union representatives and airline officials, convened by the Chief Labour Commissioner (Central) in New Delhi. The meeting aimed to address and resolve the ongoing issues affecting the cabin crew's work schedules and remuneration.