Nacil Proposes Elimination of Foreign Pilots for B-777 Aircraft and Decommissioning of A-320 Fleet

Mumbai, India's National Aviation Company of India Limited (Nacil) is reportedly planning to eliminate the deployment of foreign pilots for its B-777 aircraft and decommission the Airbus 320 fleet, which is over 15 years old. The proposal aims to address the concerns of pilots and resolve issues related to flying hours. According to an email sent to pilots on March 7, Nacil understands the concerns of pilots and is devising a path to resolve them. The airline plans to introduce new aircraft, including seven B-787 planes, which would require 40 sets of pilots.

Key Takeaways:

• Nacil is proposing to eliminate the deployment of foreign pilots for its B-777 aircraft, citing concerns over flying hours and benefits for both the company and pilots.
• The airline plans to decommission the Airbus 320 fleet, which consists of 30 aircraft, and replace them with newer planes.
• The introduction of new aircraft, such as the Boeing 787, would require 40 sets of pilots, and Nacil plans to increase flying hours while keeping ground realities in mind.
• The proposal aims to address ongoing concerns about flying hours and resolve issues between Nacil and its pilots.
• Nacil plans to phase out the A-320 fleet and replace them with Boeing-787 aircraft, citing improved passenger appeal and operating reliability.

Statistics:

• 30 Airbus 320 aircraft will be phased out initially.
• 7 B-787 aircraft are scheduled to be introduced, requiring 40 sets of pilots.
• A-320 fleet is over 15 years old.
• 47 A-320 aircraft operated by the erstwhile Indian Airlines are over 15 years old.

Sources:

• Email sent to pilots on March 7 by Arvind Jadhav, former chairman and director Nacil.
• Affidavit filed in the Bombay high court by Rishabh Kapur, general secretary, ICPA.
• Submission to the committee on public undertakings by Nacil management.
• HT Syndication with permission from Hindustan Times.
• Published on November 24.