Indian plans to recruit 200 pilots for new fleet

State-owned airline Indian has embarked on a drive to recruit 200 pilots, as it will be inducting 43 new aircraft over 24 months. Following the recruitment, the number of pilots with the airline will increase by a third to 800.

"We are inducting new airplanes into our fleet. In addition, we also have a shortage of pilots. This new recruits are expected to meet our requirement," said an Indian executive.

The recruitment drive by the state-run carrier comes amid new airlines starting operations and massive expansion plans by existing carriers. Selected candidates will have to undergo extensive training and will have to serve Indian for at least 10 years.

India, which has a pool of about 3,000 pilots, is expected to face a shortage of about 400 pilots in the near future. Indian carriers have placed orders to buy about 300 aircraft recently.

The state-run airline plans to recruit pilots from training schools and other carriers and also wants to engage training establishments to ensure a steady stream of pilots in the future.

These pilots, who will be absorbed at the entry level as senior trainee and trainee pilots, will meet the requirement once new aircraft joins Indian's fleet.

In addition, it will also offset the shortage of pilots as a result of poaching by various start-up and established carriers. Government has also taken a number of steps, including increasing the age of a pilot to 62 from the present 60 and setting up pilot schools to meet the shortage of pilots.

Some airlines are undertaking innovative steps to ensure availability of pilots.

Private airlines have initiated steps such as setting up their own pilot schools, tying up with pilot training schools and sponsoring flying hours among others.