Tough times for Indian aviation

AIR INDIA   KINGFISHER AIRLINES   AVIATION

India – The aviation industry in India is struggling to stay buoyant as a number of its airlines have been facing a flurry of crises.

In its latest difficulty, national carrier Air India is struggling to survive its Rs 30 billion government bailout, while dealing with employee malpractice, which includes more than 160 cases of staff stealing food, alcohol and other luxury goods from the aircraft, The Hindu reported.

Many international tourists were left stranded when its pilots went on a strike over training to fly Dreamliners, Boeing's newest aircraft.

In January, the airline was forced to shut down its cargo business and sold its Boeing freighters to cut losses and raise revenue.

Another Indian airline, the debt-laden Kingfisher Airlines is also facing resentment amongst its staff due to the non-payment of salary, Times of India reported.

Chairman of the airline Vijay Mallya had earlier assured employees they would receive January salaries by 15 May but the promise has yet to be fulfilled.

Recognising the grave plight of the aviation industry, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) had earlier urged India to develop a stronger implementation plan to save the industry.

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