Air India introduces 'flexi contract' for pilots
Air India is rolling out a new "flexi contract" for its pilots starting in January and March 2025, letting them choose fewer working days each month in exchange for lower pay.
The idea is to help pilots get more personal time, but some are worried it's really just a way to cut costs—potentially slashing earnings by up to 40%.
Details of the new contract
Wide-body pilots can opt to fly just 15 days a month, while narrow-body pilots can do 20.
Flying hours will drop from nearly 90 pre-pandemic hours down to about 50-55.
Not everyone's included though—Boeing 787 and Delhi-based Boeing 777 crews are left out.
Concerns among pilots
Many pilots feel uneasy, fearing this could eventually become mandatory as more join the airline.
Air India, though, says it's all voluntary: "pilots could continue with their current full work schedule if they preferred."