Raising concerns over their career prospects, JetLite pilots have expressed apprehensions that they could be treated unfairly once JetLite’s operations get merged with Jet Airways in line with the board’s decision to go in for a single full-service brand by the year-end.
In such a situation, they feel, their seniority will be compromised. They also apprehend that they could be moved from their base stations.
“Since our transition from Air Sahara to JetLite at no stage was it intimated that our seniority would be compromised, or that the seniority of Jet Airways pilots would be maintained above. At the same time, we have seen a steady reduction in fleet and routes, which has cast a shadow of doubt on the future of JetLite,” the pilots have said in a letter to Jet Airways CEO-designate Cramer Ball.
Among other things, they want the management to ensure protection of their seniority and HR benefits. They have demanded that their flying experience be counted in Jet Airways. They have also demanded that they should not be moved out from their bases. They have sought clarity on JetLite’s future.
“Following the announcement of a single brand, there is a lot of speculation on the future of JetLite,’’ a pilot said.
The pilots have sought an appointment with Mr. Ball on September 9 to get clarity.
“The management’s response will help determine the further course of action,” the letter said.
Confirming this, Jet Airways said Mr. Ball would be interacting with the pilots of JetLite on September 9, and share with them the company’s current and future plans.
“During October-December 2013, 50 pilots from JetLite were inducted laterally in Jet Airways for pilot in-charge and First Officer vacancies based on operational requirements. This permanent movement was on a voluntary basis. The induction on the pilot’s movement to Jet Airways will open career opportunities not only for a command upgrade but also for exposure to flying international routes and movement to wide-body aircraft,” a Jet Airways spokesperson said.
The spokesperson said excess pilot capacity would be absorbed into Jet Airways permanently through the process similar to the one in 2013.
On JetLite’s future, Jet Airways said that the airline’s S2 Air Operators Permit would be maintained though the single-brand strategy would reflect across its entire business — in the livery of aircraft, product, service offering, and frequent-flyer programme.
