When crew cuts raise hackles

With increasing number of co-pilots in the market and airlines going through various air pockets, costs are being cut, especially privileges enjoyed by this community.
“Things are going from bad to worse,” says Gautam Singh*, a young pilot from SpiceJet. “But if I leave, there are 10 freshers waiting to take my place.” But isn’t there a shortage of pilots? “Yes, but that’s more for commanders, not co-pilots. Many students who had gone to Canada and US to learn flying, are now coming back for jobs here.” These pilots aver that whereas earlier it was Open Sesame for them in airlines, now there are interviews, psychometry tests, medicals, etc.
Those who are already flying are feeling the pinch. But more than the withdrawal of privileges, it’s the manner in which these are taken away that’s hurting them. The erstwhile Air Sahara is a case in point. Five star luxury, business class travel, fabulous allowances, few questions asked….But in its new avatar, Jetlite, things changed and few could digest the downgrading.
The four areas where these first officers are feeling the heat are: Flying hours, hotel accommodation, allowances and perks.
Nishant Gupta, who’s with SpiceJet says, “I joined here 18 months back. Initially, when there was pilot shortage, I would fly 120 hours a month. My best salary till date is Rs 2.4 lakh net. I now barely fly 45-50 hours. My salary varies between Rs 1.20-1.30 lakh. I feel helpless as I’ve spent Rs 32 lakh on becoming a pilot and can’t leave yet.”

Rahul Sinha, Jetlite, is in a similar predicament. “Earlier, I would fly over 80 hours a month. But with more and more co-pilots joining, that’s reduced to 55-60 hours. From Rs 1.6 lakh, my salary has come down to Rs 1.2 lakh. We’re told we aren’t the only ones who need to be flying; there’re expats too.”
Co-pilots till recently were used to the high life of five star hotels — Marriott, Taj Palace, Oberoi….But that’s a thing of the past. They’ve now been downgraded to four/three star hotels and even to guest houses.
This downgrading started with cabin crew first. Reduced salaries and accommodation, fewer international flights and layovers and a feeling of not being wanted.
Talk about dressing down. In SpiceJet, says Gupta, only two pieces of clothing can be given for laundry while they’re outstation. “Our meal allowance is Rs 1,300 daily. That’s not enough,” he says. Also, leave which could be encashed, some 10 days, has been withdrawn.
These first officers in LCCs fear for their own future with the influx of more and more freshers.
Most would like to change over to regular carriers. But there’s a catch. Any pilot wanting to leave his parent organisation has to first serve a six-month notice. But which airline will wait that long for him?
And it’s hitting commanders too. “Allowances for training commanders while abroad have been reduced from around $200 daily to $110,” says a Jetlite commander. Also, there are no confirmed business class seats for them. It’ll depend on availability, otherwise, fly economy.
Unable to digest these measures, many pilots have resigned over the last few months.
02/12/07 Shobha John/Times of India