Air India's New Pilot Framework: Senior First Officers Must Join AI Express For Command Roles

Published 7 August 2026 · india

News india Air India's New Pilot Framework: Senior First Officers Must Join AI Express For Command Roles Air India's New Pilot Framework: Senior First Officers

News india Air India's New Pilot Framework: Senior First Officers Must Join AI Express For Command Roles Air India's New Pilot Framework: Senior First Officers Must Join AI Express For Command Roles Published By, Last Updated: August 08, 2026, 04:55 IST The framework comes amid intense competition for experienced pilots, rising attrition and lower flying hours, two senior Air India Group pilots told PTI. Air India has more than 3,500 pilots, while Air India Express has over 2,000. Together, the airlines operate around 300 aircraft. Air India has introduced a new framework under which eligible senior first officers seeking command roles will be required to move to Air India Express, according to sources. The framework is based on a common seniority pool for pilots of the two airlines. It is aimed at creating a larger pool of commanders as Air India Express prepares to add more narrow-body aircraft, including Boeing 737s, PTI reported.

Senior first officers who move to Air India Express for Boeing 737 command roles will receive a one-time bonus of Rs 10 lakh, the sources said. Existing Air India Express commanders on these aircraft will receive Rs 21 lakh over three years. There was no official comment from Air India on the framework. Command Roles, Bonuses And Base Rules Pilots who get command positions will have to work from an operating base selected by Air India Express for at least two years. This period can be extended by up to six months. After completing it, they can choose their operating base, subject to eligibility. The framework comes amid intense competition for experienced pilots, rising attrition and lower flying hours, two senior Air India Group pilots told PTI. Air India has more than 3,500 pilots, while Air India Express has over 2,000.

Together, the airlines operate around 300 aircraft. Air India Express operates Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 family aircraft, while Air India does not currently operate Boeing 737s. Pilot Concerns Over Compulsory Move The new plan was communicated to pilots during a town hall led by Air India’s Head of Operations Manish Uppal on Friday, sources said. One pilot claimed senior first officers were being given letters on Air India Express letterhead for their transfer. The pilot alleged that some were being forced to accept the move, describing it as amounting to “forced resignation" as they would no longer remain on Air India’s payroll. Air India is presenting the framework as a career pathway for pilots seeking command upgrades, particularly as the group expects more narrow-body aircraft in the coming years. The move also comes as airlines compete for senior pilots.