Air India pilots oppose appointment of new flight safety chief

While executive director and the new flight safety chief Harpreet AD Singh, who is the chief of in-flight services and heads the quality management division, holds a commercial pilot’s license, she has not been involved in active flying duties.

Fresh trouble could be brewing for national carrier Air India (AI) as a section of the airline’s pilots have voiced their opposition to the appointment of executive director Harpreet AD Singh as the new flight safety chief.

While Singh, who is the chief of in-flight services and heads the quality management division, holds a commercial pilot’s license, she has not been involved in active flying duties.

“AI’s management pilots held a meeting on Monday on the arbitrary decision to appoint Singh. This post has always been headed by a pilot who has been doing active flying,” said a pilot.

Pilots are also demanding that the airline pay their arrears resulting from the 25% salary cut implemented for the past three years. “Singh has an exceptional track record. She is a medically grounded pilot whose services have been used by AI in various capacities on issues relating to safety,” said an AI spokesperson.

“We knew there would be opposition but Singh is best suited for the job. She has been a DGCA-approved ground instructor for pilots and has been actively involved in accident investigations, operations and training,” said an AI official.

“The approval shall remain valid subject to her undergoing technical performance course on B787 type of aircraft,” the DGCA order said.