The DGCA rules were announced on August 16 where it stated that a one-year notice period would have to be served by commanders and six months by co-pilots before they join another airline
The Delhi High Court on Thursday issued notice to the Centre, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Air India. The notice was in reaction to a plea that challenged the DGCA's decision which stated that senior pilots have to serve a one year notice period before quitting or shifting to another airline.
The court has sought a response of the Centre, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the airline, on the petition by Indian Pilots Guild, who represent senior Air India pilots who operate wide-body aircraft.
The DGCA rules were announced on August 16 where it stated that a one-year notice period would have to be served by commanders and six months by co-pilots before they join another airline.
During the hearing, central government standing counsel Gaurang Kanth, who also appeared for the DGCA, said it had the powers to issue such directives.
Informing the court about the acute shortage of pilots, Kanth also said that it takes eight to nine months to train one and the government has to ensure that an airline runs smoothly. To this, the court responded that nowadays, airlines run smoothly as they have their own management .
The next date of hearing on October 16.
The issue of pilots serving one year as notice period has been brewing for some time. Earlier in May, various domestic airlines, under the banner of the Federation of Indian Airlines (FIA), mooted the proposal, urging the DGCA to make it one year arguing they put in a lot of time and effort on training pilots.
However, various domestic pilot bodies had opposed the proposal on the ground that it was "exploitative" as a longer notice period would mean airlines could act in as "vindictive" manner towards those quitting.
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