Pilots across Air India and Air India Express to operate under a common seniority framework
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New Delhi, August 29Tata Group-promoted Air India has said an overwhelming majority of its pilots have accepted the revised compensation and benefits package rolled out as part of the airline’s refreshed Employee Value Proposition (EVP).In an email to pilots, which was reviewed by businessline, Air India’s Senior Vice-President — Flight Operations, Captain Manish Uppal, said that an overwhelming majority of pilots have accepted the revised compensation and benefits package.Refreshed packageAccordingly, the refreshed EVP includes enhanced compensation and benefits, new career progression opportunities and measures aimed at improving the quality of life for pilots.Besides, as part of the new career pathway, pilots across Air India and Air India Express will operate under a common seniority framework, aimed at providing a more integrated and transparent progression route across the Group.At present, Air India Group has over 5,000 pilots on the rolls.Under the framework, Air India Express will serve as the primary pathway for pilots seeking command upgrades.Following command experience at Air India Express, pilots will have the opportunity to progress to Air India and subsequently pursue widebody flying and command opportunities.The Group has also introduced changes to pilot compensation.Notably, Air India will continue to provide guaranteed pay for 40 flying hours, while enhancing flying allowance rates. On the other hand, flying allowance rates beyond 40 hours have also been increased.Similarly, training compensation has been enhanced, with payouts linked to fleet-average flying hours. Moreover, pilots signing up to support the growing Boeing 737 fleet at Air India Express will receive a fleet allowance.Allocation policyAdditionally, the Group has introduced a more structured base allocation policy. Upon command upgrades, pilots may be assigned to any base for two years, extendable by six months based on operational requirements. Following completion of this tenure, they will be transferred to their preferred eligible base.Meanwhile, line-released commanders who have spent more than two-and-a-half years at an involuntary company-assigned base, will also be transitioned to their preferred eligible base at the earliest opportunity.Furthermore, relocation support has also been enhanced, covering temporary stay, movement of household goods, incidental expenses and relocation leave. The initiatives come as Air India Group expands its fleet and operations.Since 2022, the Group has grown from around 100 aircraft to nearly 300 aircraft and has placed orders for 600 new aircraft, including 80 widebody aircraft.The Group has also invested in pilot capability building, including an Aviation Academy in Gurugram with Airbus and Boeing full-flight simulators and a flying training school in Amravati, Maharashtra.Uppal said the revised EVP offering reflected the Group’s commitment to recognising and rewarding its pilots, while urging those who had not yet signed the compensation revision letter to do so.He said the new offering was only the beginning and that the Group would continue to strengthen its proposition as it moves forward.Published on August 29, 2026
