New Delhi: A new “flexi contract model” being planned by Air India is causing significant unrest among its pilots. The proposed scheme could see widebody pilots working just 15 days a month and narrowbody crews working 20 days. Industry insiders suggest this move is driven by cost pressures and the growing number of pilots, raising concerns across the aviation sector.
Set to be implemented in two phases between January and March 2026, the scheme will initially exempt pilots of Boeing 787 aircraft and Delhi-based crew operating Boeing 777s. While the airline has stated the scheme will be mandatory, pilots are questioning the voluntary nature of the offer, suspecting it’s a cost-saving strategy that could lead to a pay cut of up to 40% and eventually become a permanent employment condition.
“The plan aims for widebody pilots to work 15 days a month and narrowbody pilots 20 days. This signifies a further reduction in flying hours, which have already decreased from nearly 90 hours pre-Covid to around 50-55 hours post-privatization,” commented one individual familiar with the plan, who wished to remain anonymous.
Air India confirmed the initiative, characterizing it as a “voluntary offer to its pilots operating certain aircraft types to opt for a lesser number of working days with commensurate payments.” A spokesperson added, “This offer is entirely voluntary and will address the long-standing desire amongst some pilots to have more personal time available for themselves,” clarifying that pilots could opt to maintain their current full work schedules.
However, pilots have strongly criticized the airline’s reasoning, which frames the model as a step “towards supporting the evolving needs of the airline’s pilot community while upholding operational efficiency.”
According to pilots, the flexi model could lead to a substantial income decrease. Narrowbody pilots might face a 30% pay cut, while widebody pilots, especially those flying ultra-long-haul routes to North America, could see their earnings reduced by as much as 40%.
“This is purely a cost-cutting measure. The flexi contract includes a minimum guarantee of 22 hours. If the intention was to benefit pilots, it would be easy to structure it for 40 hours of pay in 15 days,” a pilot stated, questioning the fairness of the proposed payment structure.
Typically, pilot compensation includes a base salary, non-flying allowances, and flying hour allowances, with airlines usually guaranteeing a minimum number of paid hours monthly.
A second pilot shared that the minimum guarantee under the voluntary scheme would result in a 45% reduction in base pay, aligning with the decrease in guaranteed paid hours from 40 to 22. “We also understand there will be a reduction in the hourly rate, though specific details are yet to be provided,” the pilot added.
Another pilot pointed out that the new limitations on working days would further restrict opportunities to accumulate additional flying hours.
Air India, privatized in 2022, employed 3,280 pilots as of March this year, according to parliamentary data. The airline operates a fleet of 174 aircraft, including 33 Boeing 787s. Following privatization, Air India placed one of the largest aircraft orders in history, encompassing single-aisle and widebody jets from Boeing and Airbus, for phased delivery in the coming years. Parliamentary data indicates that the airline will need approximately 5,870 pilots over the next decade to support its expansion plans.
Industry standards dictate varying pilot requirements based on aircraft type. For instance, Boeing 777s require 26 pilots per aircraft, Boeing 787s need 20, and the Airbus A350 requires 30. Narrowbody aircraft typically need around 12 pilots. These numbers are calculated to ensure aircraft operational efficiency while adhering to pilot rest and duty regulations.
Pilots have also highlighted inconsistencies in the airline’s strategy, noting that while efforts are made to retain pilots in India, flexible contracts that reduce flying hours and pay are being offered. They suggest that if flexibility is introduced, the standard six-month notice period should also be reconsidered.
Concerns are also being raised about the potential for the scheme to become mandatory. “There’s a known pilot shortage in India, yet here we have an airline with ample pilot access, seemingly leading to this scheme. Management might have over-hired pilots. While it’s voluntary now, there’s no guarantee it won’t become mandatory,” commented one pilot.
Air India has previously implemented a pay-as-you-fly system, where pilots are compensated solely for their flight hours. “All these changes don’t seem to add up,” another pilot remarked.
In an internal communication, Air India described the flexi contract as being “designed to offer enhanced flexibility and improved work-life balance,” emphasizing its commitment to a “supportive and adaptable work environment.”