Air India Fires Trainer Pilot, Grounds 10 Trainees

New Delhi: Air India has terminated the services of a simulator trainer pilot over lapses in recurrent training and removed 10 pilots from flying duties pending an investigation. The action follows a whistleblower complaint alleging the trainer pilot failed to properly discharge his duties.

The Tata Group-owned airline, in a statement, said a detailed probe was conducted, and the allegations were corroborated after reviewing the evidence. While specific details were not disclosed, Air India confirmed the trainer pilot’s dismissal.

"As a precaution, ten pilots who underwent recurrent training under the trainer pilot have been removed from flying duties pending further investigation," the airline stated.

Air India voluntarily reported the matter to aviation regulator DGCA and commended the whistleblower for stepping forward. However, details regarding the trainer pilot and related actions remain undisclosed.

The airline has previously faced scrutiny from the DGCA for failing to report incidents and non-disclosures. Since Tata Group's acquisition of the loss-making carrier in January 2022, Air India has implemented the Tata Code of Conduct to instill ethical policies, including anti-bribery, anti-corruption, and whistleblowing mechanisms.

In 2024 alone, Air India has terminated over 30 employees for various ethical breaches, with several others facing disciplinary action, the airline stated.

Tata Group took over the loss-making carrier from the government in January 2022 and has since implemented strict ethical policies to enhance accountability and compliance.

(with PTI inputs)