Pilot-trouble hits Jet Airways again

Some of its subsidiary airline JetLite's pilots have quit, serving notice to the management alleging change in service conditions

Trouble is brewing again in private carrier Jet Airways as some of its subsidiary airline JetLite’s pilots have quit, serving notices to the management alleging change in service conditions.

JetLite, originally Air Sahara, was acquired by Jet Airways promoter Naresh Goyal in 2007 and operated as budget arm till November last year. But in December, the two carriers were integrated into one to operate under a single full-service brand.

These pilots have demanded they be relieved from the job immediately as the six-month mandatory notice period was no longer applicable on them, sources said.

According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation norms, a pilot has to serve his employer for six months after putting in the papers.

However, Jet Airways sources said the situation in the airline is somewhat similar to Air India, which is fighting a legal battle with its pilots over integration issues.

“The management has altered the service conditions on its own, which is a violation of the contract rules. Therefore, the mandatory notice period norm does not apply in such a case,” they said.

A Jet Airways spokesperson confirmed the development but refuse to share details.

“We do not wish to comment on the details as it is an internal matter,” the spokesperson said in an e-mail statement to PTI.

As part of integration, the Jet Airways management had given JetLite pilots an option to join the parent brand with certain riders like a common seniority and posting to any location in the country.