Vistara Implements Supplemental Pay for Pilots Flying Below 70 Flight Hours Monthly

Vistara, the joint venture of TATA Group and SIA will be merged into Air India within the next nine months. Both airlines are aiming to resolve the pilot issues in Vistara before the initiation of the integration process. In February, Vistara implemented a new salary structure for its pilots, which was similar to that of Air India.

Under the new salary structure, the airline decreased the minimum guaranteed hours of flying from 70 hours to 40 hours for pilots at all positions, including Junior First Officers, First Officers, Senior First Officers, and Captains. With this move, many pilots feared that their salaries may be reduced by half.

Discontent and Solution

Vistara’s HR department asked the pilots to accept the new payment structure. In April, it even warned them that if they do not accept the new payment criteria, they will be considered eliminated from the Air India-Vistara merger. Basically, either sign or resign.

As a result, pilots came together and went on a mass leave, disrupting the airline’s schedule. However, the airline has not backed off and continued its stance. It has been holding various town hall sessions with pilots to better understand their issues.

During a town hall session held in May, CEO Vinod Kannan assured the pilots that they would get 70 hours to fly every month. For those pilots unable to fly for 70 hours, Vistara has introduced a top-up salary. As per sources to the Hindu Business Line, this top-up salary amounts to Rs 5,000 for the First Officers. A pilot earning less than his/her previous salary will receive this additional top-up salary.

Majorly, the First Officers of Vistara are unhappy with the new payment structure. On average, an FO earns more than 1.8 lakhs per month in India.

Other Issues Discussed

Vistara has decided to compensate the pilots who did not achieve the minimum of 70 hours a month due to delays related to their training process.

During the town hall sessions, pilots have complained about the tight rostering schedule, which prevents them from maintaining their work-life balance. CEO Vinod Kannan assured that the airline would analyze data on important metrics such as frequency of denied leave requests, instances of pilots being called in on their days off with short notice, and deviations from the scheduled roster.

To address the gap between the number of aircraft and the workforce, Vistara is hiring more pilots. This way, it will be greasing the merger process. Both airlines are aiming that not a single aircraft is grounded during the merger.

The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has approved the merger proposal of Air India and Vistara. Both airlines will be merged within nine months of filing their merger petition. Singapore International Airlines (SIA) will be holding a 25.1% stake in the merged entity.

Conclusion: Vistara Pilots Issues

Vistara has announced a supplemental salary for those pilots, who will not be able to fly 70 hours a month. For the First officers, this amount is expected to be Rs 5,000. The airline is consistently discussing the pilot issues via town hall sessions. The CEO has assured that steps will be taken to reduce pilot stress.

What do you think about this move from Vistara? Discuss in the comment section.