MUMBAI: The Indian airline industry doesn’t have a supply problem when it comes to pilots, said Willie Walsh, director general, International Air Transport Association (IATA). Walsh was speaking about the huge aircraft orders placed by Indian carriers, largely Air India and IndiGo, and the possible pilot shortage issues.
“We don’t see any issue with pilot shortage. Those looking at becoming a pilot should look at India,” said Walsh.
Indian carriers have over 1200 aircraft on order, largely placed by Air India and IndiGo, with delivery to stretch beyond a decade. “Some regions, particularly Africa, might have a problem retaining their pilots because they might lose their pilots to carriers in India and the Middle East,” he said.
Walsh added that the huge aircraft order will attract Indian pilots, who currently work for foreign carriers, back to India.
As for pilots from India, they have the opportunity for career progression, he said. “They get the opportunity to move from narrow body to wide body, which makes the Indian market attractive for recruiting and training pilots,” he added.
