India: Airlines may need 20% more pilots to comply with new rules

Airlines may need to hire up to 20% more pilots for the current level of operations with the introduction of new duty rules announced by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. While pilots have welcomed the new norms, which enhance their weekly rest period from 36 to 48 hours, airlines are worried about an increase in employment costs as pilot salaries already account for over half of an airline’s wage bill. “As per ballpark estimates, we could require 15-20% more pilots for the current level of operations. For expansion, we will require many more, and our growth could slow down,” a senior airline executive remarked. An another clause in proposed rules that is worrying airlines pertains to night duty and restrictions on number of landings that pilots can make when their duty begins or continues during night. For the purpose of night duty, the definition of night has been amended, and it will now cover the period from midnight to 6 a.m. instead of midnight to 5 a.m. under the earlier rule. The maximum duty time and number of landings that pilots can make are now restricted to two under the revised rules.<br/>