Air India announced its newest policy that will provide an opportunity to its already retired or retiring pilots to extend service for five years with a possibility of reaching up to 65 before they can finally retire. The airline’s current policy is that pilots must retire at age 58. The new policy was made in connection with the airline’s fleet expansion.

“Air India’s pilots currently retire at the age of 58, the company has made a policy to extend service to pilots even after retirement, amid increasing the number of aircraft in its fleet,” said the Chief Human Resource of India in a letter.

“Considering the future expansion plans for our fleet, it is imperative to meet our workforce requirement for pilots. Allowing pilots to fly till the age of 65 is a practice followed by most airlines in the industry. To meet our requirement, it is proposed to retain our current trained pilots at Air India post-retirement on a contractual basis for five years extendable to 65 years,” the Circular reads.

The airline will create a committee that will oversee the implementation of this new policy including examining the eligibility of pilots retiring in the next two years.

“The committee will be responsible for reviewing the past records of the pilots with respect to discipline, flight safety and vigilance. Post the review, the Committee will recommend the shortlisted names to the Chief Human Resources Officer for issuing them post-retirement contract. One year prior to the pilots’ retirement, they will be issued a letter of intent for their post-retirement engagement,” said the Air India.

Said new policy could lead to increased cost savings for the airline as contractual employment has lesser benefits than those hired otherwise.

India’s Directorate General for Civil Aviation (DGCA) allow pilots to fly until the age of 65.

Check out previous coverage related to this announcement.

Photo Credit: Air India

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