Jetlite flights at safety risk: pilots
MUMBAI: Fliers on Jetlite flights could be at safety risks as its pilots are fighting massive mental trauma owing to poor service conditions created by the management, a pilots’ representation has told the aviation safety regulator.
Jetlite is the no-frill subsidiary of Jet Airways, which the parent airline is in the process of phasing out.
The letter, sent to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on October 10, stated, “The management has made non-conducive conditions in Jetlite, by forcing us to join Jet Airways on unacceptable conditions. Such an environment created by the company is directly affecting flight safety .... ”
“We are actively engaging with Jetlite pilots to find constructive solutions to any outstanding issues where possible, and are committed to offering career options which provide flexibility, expanded career opportunities and growth prospects. Joining the Jet Airways flight crew is entirely optional and voluntary,” said a Jet Airways spokesperson. “We strongly repudiate any allegations that this issue is placing passengers’ safety at risk.”
Last month, the Jet Airways management had asked its 97 commanders and 79 first officers to join the parent airline with a long list of conditions. One of the transfer conditions that witnessed unanimous objections was to for feit their flying experience.
“The company expects us to wipe off our work record and join the company as a rookie,” said a senior pilot, requesting anonymity. Even as majority of the 200-odd pilots are keen to quit, the airline has refused to waive off the mandatory six month notice period.
The pilots have also written to the airline chairman and manag ing director Naresh Goyal to inter vene. “We have given him time till Monday, else we will start a work to-rule protest,” he pilot said.