Air India's financial troubles affecting its operations, says ICPA

According to ICPA, $3.6 billion (Rs 250 billion) worth of aircraft - by today's prices - are lying idle or are in hangers due to poor maintenance and management

Lack of funds is leading to more problems than just non-payment of salaries at national carrier Air India. According to the Indian Commercial Pilots Association (ICPA), Air India has grounded 23 per cent of its present fleet, mainly due to lack of spares and poor maintenance.

A letter by ICPA President Deepankar Gupta to airline’s Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) Pradeep Singh Kharola points out that eight of the 20 A321 aircraft are grounded. It means 40 per cent of the fleet is currently unable to operate. Of the 22 A319 aircraft, four are not operating. The A320 fleet is