Kozhikode: Two activists from Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode have filed a complaint in the High Court against Air India stating that the carrier had illegally reserved 80 slots to its staff for the post of trainee pilots, putting the lives of passengers in danger. The complainants Capt. S.G. Saji and Mr K.M. Basheer also alleged that the jobs were sold at the rate of Rs 25 lakh each.
“The carrier invited applications for filling the post of 32 trainee pilots from its employees in 2015. The selection was based on a written test, including aptitude test and technical knowledge test. Thereafter, the candidates had to undergo psychometric test and personal interview. The majority of the candidates, except four or five, failed in the test and the vacancies were not filled,” said Mr Basheer.
Applications were again called on January 13 and published on the company’s webpage, accessible to the employees. The petitioners allege that the selection process was relaxed by dropping the aptitude test and written test. The upper age limit was relaxed from 40 to 45 and a refresher course was provided to the candidates for the test.
“The selection of unqualified candidates will affect the safety of the passengers. Several aviation accidents in India and abroad have happened due to the lack of ability and experience of pilots. The general public doubt that there is corruption behind the recruitments,” said Mr Basheer. Air India officials were not available for comments.
