Exodus: 120 A320 first officers have quit Air India in last 3-4 months

MUMBAI: Air India has been witnessing an exodus of A320 first officers, with about 120 resignations submitted in the past 3-4 months alone, according to airline sources. These youngsters, who occupy the right-hand seat in a cockpit, have been serving their six-month notice period.

The reason for quitting ranges from low pay, no career progression and ready availability of jobs in other airlines. The exit hasn’t hit flight operations though as the airline has a surplus of first officers.

“These first officers were taken on a five-year fixed term contract. Most of them joined with only about 250 hours of flying experience, but they quit with 3,000 hours or so.