In 2016–17, its employee cost was Rs 2,841.48 crore—an average employee cost of Rs 21 lakh per annum.
In the midst of talks of Air India being privatised, and many employees fearing loss of jobs, here comes positive news—the state-owned airline is going on a hiring spree!
Air India is in the process of hiring 270 co-pilots in the reserved category. In addition, it has also created a new post of chief pilot.
The current workforce strength of Air India is 11,214, which includes 2,056 employees on deputation to other companies and agencies; 2,913 employees on contract; and 2,661 employees on deputation from other group companies as per the government memorandum on privatisation.
In 2016–17, its employee cost was Rs 2,841.48 crore, which means an average employee cost of Rs 21 lakh per annum.
Market experts believe that beefing up the team can make potential investors and bidders shy away, as the state-owned airline is already top heavy and saddled with a debt of over Rs 50,000 crore.
According to Air India, the recruitment drive is to maintain operations, and also prepare for talent gap that may arise due to the exit of employees who are being poached by other airlines.
“Keeping this and operational requirements in view, a special recruitment drive is on and the airline is in the process of filling up the existing backlog of vacancies of pilots,” according to the official statement.
Air India also started the recruitment process for 500 cabin crew staff in March.