Tata Group-owned Air India has announced plans to hire over 4,200 cabin crew and 900 pilots in 2023.
The airline had recruited over 1,900 cabin crew between May 2022 and February 2023.
These plans are part of a major revamp that saw the carrier place orders for a record 470 jets earlier this month.
Second innings
The overhaul began after it returned to the Tata Group’s fold last year.
Once renowned for its stellar service, it is now seeking to repair its reputation that declined in the mid-2000s as financial troubles mounted.
The airline earlier this month sealed a record deal for the new planes from Airbus and Boeing potentially worth tens of billions of dollars.
Benefiting from growing air travel demand in India
It intends to capitalize on India’s growing base of fliers and strong demand for air travel.
The historic purchase was hailed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, French President Emmanuel Macron, and US President Joe Biden.
Aside from commercial use the agreements may also help deepen India’s strategic partnership with the two countries.
Shaping new cabin crew
“We are also looking to step up hiring of more pilots and maintenance engineers,” said Sandeep Verma, head of the airline’s in-flight services.
He said cabin crew will play a decisive role in shaping the present and future of the Air India group with more flights on international and domestic networks.
“Addition of fresh talent will also accelerate the pace of cultural transformation at Air India, which is an integral part of our Vihaan.AI transformation program”, he said.
Training programme
The cabin crew will undergo a 15-week programme imparting safety and service skills, and will be coached to “exemplify the best of Indian hospitality and Tata group culture”.
The training program will include extensive classroom and in-flight training at the airline’s training facility in Mumbai as well as familiarization flights.
