As it prepares for long-haul flights and expand its reach, Air India is continuing its recruiting drive

4 Jul 2022 , 03:05 PM

Another recruiting drive for Air India has been scheduled in Bangalore, suggesting that the company’s hiring binge under the new management is still going strong.

“Your zeal is what Air India needs. Join the #WingsOfChange crew and fly with us, “The drive was announced in a tweet by the airline on Saturday.

The Tata Group recently reacquired the formerly state-run airline, and according to sources, it will shortly place an order for some 300 aircraft to extend its services. This is taking place against the backdrop of the Tata Group’s ongoing effort to combine the four airlines that the corporation currently flies–Air India, Vistara, Air Asia, and Air India Express.

Other airlines appear to be feeling the effects of the recruitment drive as well. According to PTI, IndiGo, the largest low-cost carrier in Asia by market value, had over 50% of its flights delayed on June 2 because a significant portion of its staff used sick time to attend an interview at Air India. 900 of IndiGo’s 1,600 daily flights were delayed because workers weren’t available. According to accounts, the airline also experienced difficulties on July 3.

One of the major draws for Air India may be its domination on foreign flights. When it came to transporting Indians overseas in FY21, Air India held a market share of over 17%. It travels on lucrative routes to cities including London, New York, San Francisco, and Frankfurt.

Air India has launched a voluntary retirement plan (VRS) for its permanent employees who have reached the age of 55 or 20 years of continuous service with the airline, whichever comes first, in a move that will assist the carrier in letting go of about 3,000 of its staff. The carrier has also lowered the age requirement for VRS enrollment from 55 to 40 for some of its cabin crew, office support, and unskilled employees.