Air India (AI) on Wednesday terminated the services of a trainer pilot for lapses, while it removed 10 other pilots -- who underwent training under the trainer pilot ---from flying duties pending an investigation.
The AI management’s action against the trainer pilot came after a whistle-blower alleged that a simulator trainer pilot had failed to properly discharge his duties during recurrent simulator training for pilots.
“A detailed investigation was conducted and, following a review of the evidence, the allegation was corroborated. Accordingly, the said trainer pilot’s services are being terminated,” an AI statement said.
“As a precaution, ten pilots who underwent recurrent training under the trainer pilot have been removed from flying duties pending further investigation,” the statement said,
As per the complaint, the simulator trainer pilot did not perform his duties during the regular training sessions for pilots, though the details of exact nature of the purported lapses were not immediately available.
Air India had in the past faced action from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for failing to report certain incidents and non-disclosures.
After initiating action against its trainer pilot and taking off 10 other pilots from the flying duties, Air India has voluntarily reported the matter to the DGCA as part of our voluntary disclosure practice, and has commended the whistle-blower for stepping forward
It may be recalled that the Tata Group took over loss-making Air India from the Government in January 2022.
In a statement, Air India said that it had implemented the Tata Code of Conduct to establish clear behavioural expectations and accelerate cultural change to that of a Tata Group company.
"This included comprehensive training for all employees on Tata’s ethos and ethics-related policies, such as anti-bribery, anti-corruption and whistleblowing, among others," it added.
“An Apex Ethics Committee led by senior management oversees efforts to foster a culture with zero tolerance for unethical behaviour. Extensive awareness campaigns are regularly conducted to reinforce expectations,” AI statement said
According to AI, a structured process for capturing allegations, conducting investigations and enforcing strict consequences was also introduced. These are logged and investigated by an experienced team, independent of external interference.
The airline said that under this process, in 2024 alone more than 30 Air India employees have been terminated for various ethical breaches, with numerous others receiving other disciplinary action.