Kingfisher Airlines has increased the salary of a section of its pilots, fearing an exodus to rival carriers. Airlines including SpiceJet and IndiGo are in an expansion mode and will be adding 29 planes this financial year, opening new job avenues for pilots.
Recently, Kingfisher Airlines made a Rs 100,000 increase in the salary of commanders on its ATR fleet, roughly 30 per cent more to their existing salary.
The airline has 25 ATR-72 and two ATR-42 planes and operates them to tier-two cities. The ATR commanders are being paid a loyalty bonus of Rs 100,000 each month, in addition to the Rs 350,000 salary and flying allowance (approximate). Pilots on Airbus A330 and A320 planes are not receiving the loyalty bonus.
The loyalty bonus is offered because the airline management fears the ATR pilots will quit Kingfisher to join SpiceJet which is introducing Bombardier Q400 turboprop planes, an airline source said.
In the past two years, 100 pilots have left Kingfisher, upset over lower salaries and slow pace of career progression.
"Earlier, first officers (co-pilots) on Airbus A320 aircraft having required qualification and experience were not being given command on the same aircraft but were moved as commanders to the ATR planes. This had caused resentment amongst pilots, many of whom who left the airline,'' the source added.
Both ATR and Bombardier have turboprop engines, unlike an Airbus A320 or a Boeing 737 which has a jet engine.
Kingfisher has about 800 pilots on its rolls, including 100 commanders on its ATR fleet. Sources said 8-10 ATR pilots quit recently and are serving their notice period. This has prompted the airline to take measures to retain its pilots.
A SpiceJet spokesperson said, "We have total 30 Bombardier Q400 on order. We will be taking deliveries of 15 of these planes in a year, beginning this July. The airline has announced Hyderabad as its base"
SpiceJet is reportedly offering a salary of Rs 600,000 to commanders who join its Bombardier fleet.
"The airline is finding it difficult to get commanders for its new fleet and is mainly hiring expats," a SpiceJet source said.
In its response, SpiceJet said, "Initially, we are hiring expat pilots who possess valid licence and experience on Q400. As it is a new aircraft in Indian aviation, the salary has to be competitive and rewarding for this new aircraft."
