Another trouble for Indian aviation industry: Pilot strike in Air India and Kingfisher

The ongoing pilot strike has affected the sinking aviation industry further with the major FSCs (Full Service Carriers) namely, Air India and Kingfisher losing their operations.

The main reason for the pilot strike is the non-payment of salaries for Kingfisher pilots that have been over due since January 2012. Kingfisher airline has to repay a huge debt that made the carrier struggling for money. However, the reason for Air India pilot strike is really vague that are offending the carrier’s decision to provide promotion in ten years rather than six.

As per the industry sources, the real reason for Air India pilot strike was the fact that the pilot’s did not want Indian airlines pilots to be trained to fly the dreamliner aircraft, although it was Air India who had wanted the merger in the first place.

Also, with regard to non-payment of salaries that has been raised as an issue, the cabinet had cleared the payment of dues until February 2012. The cabinet is also hoping to clear the pending April and May salaries by June.

India has a total of six carriers with three LCCs and three FSCs. Analyzing the current market scenario; one can easily predict that the future aviation market lies with the low cost carriers.