Tata Group-owned Air India is reportedly considering sending a group of first officers proficient in operating narrow-body A320 family aircraft to Vistara, which is currently facing pilot shortages, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter.
The pilots would be sent to Vistara on deputation, pending necessary regulatory approvals. Air India and Vistara declined to provide comments on the matter.
Sources familiar with the situation revealed that several first officers capable of handling A320 family planes may be sent to Vistara on deputation. Approximately 30 narrow-body pilots from Air India could be involved, according to two sources.
This would mark the first instance of Air India pilots being deputed to Vistara for narrow-body aircraft operations. Currently, 24 pilots from Air India are already on deputation to operate Vistara's wide-body Boeing 787 planes, including 16 commanders and eight first officers, as per one source.
Vistara, a joint venture between the Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, has scaled back its operational capacity by 10%, reducing daily flights by 25-30 due to pilot-related challenges. The airline, which employs around 6,500 staff, including 1,000 pilots and 2,500 cabin crew, is in the process of merging with Air India.
Flight disruptions have been notable recently due to crew shortages. Numerous pilots called in sick to protest against a new contract involving pay revisions and roster issues.
Vistara operates a fleet of 70 aircraft, comprising 53 Airbus A320 neos, 10 Airbus A321s, and 7 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. Vistara CEO Vinod Kannan informed PTI on April 5 that flight disruptions were primarily caused by stretched pilot rosters and anticipates operations to normalize by May.
To address the situation, Vistara has deployed larger aircraft such as the B787-9 Dreamliner and A321 neo on select domestic routes to consolidate flights or accommodate more passengers, wherever feasible.
In the current summer schedule, Vistara aims to operate 25.22% more weekly flights, totaling 2,324.
Follow us
