Some pilots employed with Kingfisher Airlines have begun to air their grouses regarding unpaid salaries with passengers on board their flight after two failed meetings airline management.
Sources in the airline, which is facing a severe cash crunch, said that there have been at least six
incidents last week wherein pilots operating different domestic flights made on board announcements about how the airline has not paid them salaries for two months.
While the Kingfisher Airlines spokesperson refused to comment on the matter, a body formed by Kingfisher Airline pilots, Integrated Pilots’ Welfare Association (IPWA) confirmed the incident.
“It was emotional outburst by some young pilots but we do not want to endorse it,” said a senior office bearer with IPWA requesting anonymity.
IPWA members have been donning black armbands as a sign of protest against the manner in which the airline has been handling the financial crisis. “We have selected a silent way to protest,” added the IPWA member. About 140 of the 700 pilots in the airline are serving their notice period. IPWA has ruled out the possibility of a strike. “The management has assured us that the October salaries will be paid by Friday. We have decided to support the airline during these turbulent times,” said another IPWA member.
Sources added that IPWA wants a change in the management because it blames the existing team for the financial crisis faced by the airline.