Air India to train science students as pilots

Shortage of pilots has been bothering Indian carriers for sometime now, but Air India seems to have found out a quick fix solution. The Maharaja is now visiting colleges, picking up BSc students and after a quick pilot aptitude test, the national carriers will offer the students a pilot training abroad. And when they get back, they will be required to join Air India. AI is also arranging bank loans for them, which will later be adjusted from their salary. In fact, their salaries will be equivalent to jobs post MBA. "The selection process for the first batch is on. We will arrange for the bank loans, and on successful completion of the course, they will fly Air India," said V Thulasidas, CMD, Air India.

Air India is in the process of being merged with its domestic counterpart Indian and post merger, the fleet size of the airline will be over 120 planes. It will need at least 500 pilots over the next three years but rampant poaching prevalent in the domestic aviation industry is the only fear. "We will have a bond with them. I don't see why they should leave. We are known to be good employer," said V Thulasidas, CMD, Air India. The national carrier wants to regain the lost glory and the Maharaja is leaving no stone unturned to make sure it happens fast. After all it is also gearing up for a listing on the stock exchanges, and a sustained supply of pilots along side fleet acquisition will only help the flag carrier sustain growth.

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