Wings clipped

Sir — The strike by the pilots of Air India has once again shifted the focus on the demand of privatizing the national airline (“Strike grounds 90% of AI flights”, May 3). But is privatization the final solution? It has been reported recently that Kingfisher Airlines — considered to be one of the finest carriers — is incurring losses and that several public sector banks have converted their debt to the company in equity at 60 per cent premium to the prevailing market price. Some of the accused in the 2G spectrum scam are also cooling their heels in jail. If privatization was the only solution, then not a single private sector company should have gone bankrupt. Public sector companies have provided and maintained critical infrastructure, but private players seem to be only concerned with minting money.

The pilots on strike draw respectable salaries. Hence, their behaviour will not be condoned by society.

Yours faithfully,
Manish Garg, Noida

Sir — Wisdom and patience were required to tackle the complex issue of the merger of Air India with Indian Airlines. Unfortunately, the managements of both entities lacked these qualities and connived with their political bosses to indulge in corrupt practices. The sale of lucrative routes to private operators, recruitment of foreign pilots, appointment of incompetent CEOs, purchase of new aircraft and their deployment in non-productive routes, everything points to a scam that is perhaps even bigger than the one involving the 2G spectrum.

One does not need to be a scholar to become a pilot. One needs to be young, healthy, have good reflexes and adequate knowledge of aviation techniques. Pilots are paid high salaries under international charters, and their pay does not depend on the generosity of the civil aviation minister, Vayalar Ravi.

The mess in Air India has been created by its inept management, which has not been able to resolve key grievances. The pilots were left with no other option but to draw attention to their grievances through a strike. Why blame the pilots for the misdeeds of the civil aviation ministry and the bungling management? Why isn’t the government not keen to enter into a dialogue with the pilots? The civil aviation minister’s attitude is biased and his utterance against the pilots deplorable. This was certainly not expected from a seasoned parliamentarian like him.

Yours faithfully,
Umesh Chandra, Calcutta

Sir — Instead of a respectable merger and the incorporation of efficient work ethics, the feudal ‘Maharaja’ annexed Indian Airlines to strengthen the empire without realizing that he himself is the cause of the affliction. Over time, the culture and symbol of Indian Airlines were systematically annihilated. By and large, Indian Airlines employees remain unattached to the company they work for. This has resulted in the creation of a ghettoized mentality. In 2010, a strike was called by the Air Corporation Employees Union. Many employees had lost their jobs then, and many pilots have also been sacked this time round. But neither the strike nor the sackings will cure the wounds that continue to fester. Meanwhile, passengers have been forced to watch helplessly even as private carriers hike their fares to take advantage of the situation.

Yours faithfully,
Taskeen Haider, Calcutta

Sir — It is a shame that the illegal strike by a section of Air India pilots succeeded in crippling normal services, forced innumerable passengers to undergo severe hardship and cost the national exchequer dearly (“Flying low”, April 29) . The strike by the pilots should be treated with strongest condemnation. The move deserves no sympathy as the strike is mischievous and uncalled for, especially at a time when pilots are receiving handsome emoluments compared to employees in other industries. The management must also answer why it allowed the pilots to proceed with the strike even after the Delhi High Court’s recent judgment. This clearly shows that the airline’s management is pursuing wrong policies.

The government needs to take punitive action against the erring pilots. The airline must not be allowed to be held to ransom. If required, a permanent legislation must be enacted to prevent pilots and other providers of essential services to strike at short notice. Air India is the nation’s pride. It should keep its flag flying high by improving the quality of services.

Yours faithfully,
Jayant Mukherjee, Calcutta