Archive · 1 Sep 2026
Pilot Retention Demands Stable Rosters Benefits After Air India Concerns
The Airline Pilots’ Association of India wants Air India to do more to keep experienced pilots.
It asked for better pay and benefits.
It also wants work schedules that pilots can predict in advance.
The group said pilots need better help managing tiredness and stronger retirement benefits.
It believes difficult working conditions are causing senior pilots to leave, especially at Air India Express.
The association also asked officials to check an A321neo flight simulator after a tail strike in Gorakhpur.
A tail strike happens when part of an airplane touches the ground during takeoff or landing.
The pilots’ group says repeated incidents may point to problems in the wider system, not just mistakes by individual pilots.
ALPA-India urged Noel Tata to adopt a comprehensive pilot-retention framework for Air India and Air India Express.
The association called for predictable rosters, fatigue-risk management, and stronger retirement and long-term financial benefits.
ALPA-India said pay, reduced benefits, and worsening working conditions are driving experienced pilots to leave.
In a separate letter, the group requested an audit of the A321neo simulator after the Gorakhpur tail strike incident.
The association said recurring tail strikes reflect systemic and institutional problems rather than individual pilot failure.
- Who
- The Airline Pilots’ Association of India, Air India, Air India Express, Tata Trusts chairman Noel Tata, and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau.
- What
- ALPA-India requested improved pilot-retention terms and a simulator audit following a Gorakhpur tail strike incident.
- When
- The letters were sent on Monday.
- Where
- The retention letter was addressed to Tata Trusts, while the simulator audit request concerned the Gorakhpur incident.
- Why
- ALPA-India said attrition is being driven by pay that has not kept pace with expectations, reduced benefits, and deteriorating working conditions.
- Organization
- Airline Pilots’ Association of India, also known as ALPA-India
- Airlines concerned
- Air India and Air India Express
- Requested employment changes
- Predictable rosters, scientific fatigue-risk management, and meaningful retirement and long-term financial benefits
- Safety request
- An audit of the A321neo aircraft simulator
- Incident referenced
- The Gorakhpur tail strike incident
- Reported retention concern
- Experienced commanders and senior pilots are leaving the Air India Group