Pilots now want to stay at home

Salaries double in 6 months, foreign jobs lose lustre.

Indian pilots no longer need to fly international carriers to earn fabulous salaries. Thanks to the mushrooming of budget carriers, salaries of pilots in the country are going through the roof. The average salaries of pilots have doubled in the last six months, bringing them on a par with that of global carriers.

The average salary of an Indian pilot has hit Rs 3.5 lakh (including allowances) a month compared with Rs 1 lakh in 2004.

Senior commanders can earn up to Rs 5.5 lakh a month while co-pilots are getting Rs 2.5 lakh a month. In comparison, salaries of top pilots in international carriers in South East Asia range from Rs 4 lakh to Rs 6 lakh, depending on their experience.

"Indian pilots are rejecting offers from foreign airlines as the salary is almost same," said M Thiagarajan, managing director, Paramount Airways. "Foreign pilots are now willing to join Indian carriers," said industry analysts.

There are over 200 foreign pilots in India serving domestic carriers now, and the demand is only growing. India requires an additional 3,500 pilots with domestic airlines adding over 300 aircraft in the next 3-5 years.

Big industry houses like Reliance Industries and DLF pay Rs 1-1.5 crore annually to experienced commanders who fly their corporate jets. "However, this differs from case to case," a pilot said.

"Generally, the basic salary of an Indian pilot matches that of international pilots. But when you compare travel allowances and other perks, foreign pilots will be drawing more," an Indian pilot said.

"Flying allowance may be more for foreign pilots, but the purchasing power of Indian pilots are more," an airline executive said.

"The demand and supply position is the main reason for this salary increase. The salary of pilots has doubled since I started the airline. Foreign pilots are now increasingly opting for domestic carriers," said GR Gopinath, managing director, Air Deccan.

GoAir Managing Director Jeh Wadia said: "When you employ an expatriate pilot, the cost to company is more because you will have to meet requirements of tax, travel and accommodation. If you deduct these, the cost of employing Indian captains are on a par with expatriates."