Air India Layoffs: Airline Fires Over 180 Non-Flying Employees, Says Report

Although the airline did not specify the precise count of staff affected by the layoffs, the report indicated that it was slightly over 180 long-serving employees

It's worth noting that Air India, which has been operating at a loss, underwent a change in ownership in January 2022 when it was acquired by the Tata Group

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Air India has reportedly decided to lay off over 180 non-flying employees in the past few weeks. However, the airline has clarified that the affected individuals were unable to avail themselves of the voluntary retirement schemes and reskilling opportunities provided by the company, according to a news agency PTI report.

It's worth noting that Air India, which has been operating at a loss, underwent a change in ownership in January 2022 when it was acquired by the Tata Group. Since then, the new management has been actively working on restructuring the airline's business model in order to make it more efficient and sustainable.

An Air India spokesperson told PTI on Friday that as part of the adjustment process, employees working in non-flying capacities have been allocated roles according to the organisation's requirements and each individual's qualifications and capabilities.

"A comprehensive process has been followed to assess the suitability of all employees over the past 18 months. During this phase, there have also been multiple Voluntary Retirement Schemes and reskilling opportunities offered to employees. However, for less than 1 per cent of our employee base who have not been able to utilise VRS or reskilling opportunities, we have to part ways. We are honouring all contractual obligations during this process," the spokesperson said in a statement, as per the report.

Although the airline did not specify the precise count of staff affected by the layoffs, the report indicated that it was slightly over 180 long-serving employees. Air India's workforce comprises approximately 18,000 individuals. 

Since the Tata Group assumed ownership, two rounds of Voluntary Retirement Schemes (VRS) have been extended. Regarding the multi-year transformation initiative Vihaan.AI, the spokesperson highlighted in the report that the objective of establishing a flexible and efficient organisational framework aligned with the expansion and aspirations of the business model.