Air India and Akasa Air CEOs clash over pilot poaching practices

02 Nov 2023 CW Team

The CEOs of Air India and Akasa Air engaged in a private exchange of accusations regarding the poaching of pilots, revealing a sharp competition in India's aviation sector. The dispute, outlined in a letter dated September 21 and obtained by Reuters, underscores the intensified rivalry amid a surge in air travel post-pandemic and a high demand for new aircraft, causing a pilot shortage.

In the letter sent by Campbell Wilson of Air India, owned by the Tata Group, to Vinay Dube of low-cost airline Akasa, Air India defended itself against Akasa's claims of violating government policies that mandate a notice period of six to 12 months for pilots. These rules, contested by Indian pilots' groups in court, were challenged by Akasa, which accused Air India of disregarding them.

Wilson countered Akasa's accusations, stating that the government rules were presently unenforceable. He pointed out that Akasa had engaged in similar practices in the past by recruiting pilots from Tata Group's budget carrier, Air India Express, as well as other airlines. Wilson expressed surprise that Akasa now found such practices objectionable, revealing this information for the first time in the letter reported by Reuters.

Akasa refrained from commenting on its communication with Air India but stated that the pilot exit issue was resolved, and they have resumed their focus on growth.

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