Rajiv Bansal, chairman and managing director, Air India, has said in a communication to the employees that the airline, which was in a poor monetary state, even before the coronavirus outbreak, has now reached an even more delicate financial situation. However, despite the odds, it has managed to stay afloat and is doing everything possible to ensure the well-being of its employees. With commercial flights being suspended due to the lockdown, the aircraft are being used to operate quick turnaround cargo flights in this hour of need.
According to Bansal, the carrier’s dedicated medical service team is available to the employees at all times for advice or consultation for any emergency around the clock. All steps are being taken to reduce risk factors, even personal protective equipment is being provided to the crew. In fact, Air India is one of the few airlines to provide hazmat suits to its crew so that they are protected from the virus and remain safe on board.
Despite Air India crew having helped to evacuate so many Indians from Wuhan earlier this year, and being part of so many charter flights that rescued Indian nationals from various affected locations around the world, only one crew member has tested positive till date. That infected crew member has even managed to recover fully and get discharged.
The airline has recently flown to Israel, Germany and London, carrying the nationals of these countries who were stuck in India post the lockdown that was announced in March.