Vistara Flight Cancellation: Pilot unions flag work culture concerns, NCLT to evaluate airlines merger with Air India on Friday

Vistara Flight Cancellation: Two pilots' unions said on Thursday that the problems raised by Vistara pilots are not isolated but rather indicative of systemic issues across Tata Group aviation entities. In a detailed letter to Tata Group Chairman N Chandrasekaran, the Indian Commercial Pilots' Association (ICPI) and Indian Pilots' Guild (IPG) urged the company to engage in a constructive dialogue with the pilot community.

In the meanwhile, the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) will evaluate the impending merger of Vistara into Air India on Friday. This is expected to be the final nod awaited for the consolidation of Tata's two full-service carriers.

Tata Group operates four airline ventures: Air India, Air India Express, AIX Connect (formerly AirAsia India), and Vistara.

IPG represents Air India pilots who operate the airline's wide-body fleet, whereas ICPA represents pilots who fly single aisle aircraft.

Vistara has recently been forced to cancel over 100 flights due to non-availability of pilots, some of who are on sick-leave, protesting against pay revision and other issues.

The letter said, "The pilots of Vistara have been steadfast in their advocacy for fixed 70 hours compensation, improved working conditions, and stable roster. After thorough assessment and consultation, we firmly believe that their demands are not only reasonable but also reflective of broader challenges prevalent within Tata Group airlines." 

As per the pilot unions, the concerns expressed by the Vistara pilots are not just isolated incidents, instead they're indicative of systemic issues that extend across various Tata Group aviation entities.

The unions claimed, "The issues of 70 hours fixed remuneration, approval of leaves, adequate rest periods, unstable roster, stretching pilots to max flight duty, botched roster practices and an unsupportive work environment are consistently echoed by pilots across different Tata Group airlines."

"By addressing the concerns raised by the Vistara pilots, Tata Group can demonstrate its commitment to fostering a culture of fairness, transparency and employee welfare across all its aviation ventures, which is missing at the moment," the letter added.

The pilots unions have asked the Tata Group leadership to engage in constructive dialogue with the airline's pilots and take proactive measures to address their issues, concerns and legitimate grievances.

(With Agency Inputs)