The CEOs of Air India and Akasa Air have engaged in a heated exchange over the poaching of pilots, according to a letter seen by Reuters. The letter reveals the growing competition in India’s aviation industry, as the post-pandemic rebound in air travel and a surge in aircraft orders have resulted in a shortage of pilots. The letter, sent by Air India CEO Campbell Wilson to Akasa CEO Vinay Dube, highlights the concerns raised by Dube to the Tata Group conglomerate. In response, Air India defended its actions, stating that government rules regarding notice periods for pilots are not currently enforceable. Wilson also pointed out that Akasa has previously engaged in similar practices by poaching pilots from other airlines. The dispute comes as Air India is in the midst of a hiring spree, while Akasa has lost a significant number of pilots who left without serving notice periods. Akasa has expressed fears of a shutdown and has sued some pilots and the aviation watchdog. Wilson cautioned Dube that asking a competitor to collude in curbing employees’ rights could be a contravention of competition law. The Federation of Indian Pilots has described the mass resignations from Akasa as a sign of employee discontent. Akasa, which started operating in 2022, holds a 4% market share and competes with IndiGo and Tata Group’s airlines. Air India expressed hope that Akasa would invest in attracting and retaining its own staff, emphasizing the importance of healthy competition.
Air India and Akasa CEOs, Campbell Wilson and Vinay Dube, Engage in Heated Exchange Over Pilot Poaching, Reports Suggest
