AI sacks simulator trainer; 10 pilots trained by him taken off flying duties

NEW DELHI: Air India is sacking a simulator trainer pilot for failing “to properly discharge his duties during recurrent simulator training for pilots”. Ten pilots trained by this individual have been taken off flying duties.

“Recently, a whistleblower alleged that a simulator trainer pilot had failed to properly discharge his duties during recurrent simulator training for pilots. A detailed investigation was conducted and, following a review of the evidence, the allegation was corroborated. Accordingly, the said trainer pilot’s services are being terminated. As a precaution, 10 pilots who underwent recurrent training under the trainer pilot have been removed from flying duties pending further investigation,” AI said in a statement.

The airline has “voluntarily reported the matter to the DGCA, as part of (its) voluntary disclosure practice, and has commended the whistleblower for stepping forward.”

On taking over AI and AI Express Jan 2022, the new owner had implemented the “Tata Code of Conduct to establish clear behavioural expectations and accelerate cultural change to that of a Tata Group Company.” This included training all employees on Tata’s ethos and ethics-related policies, such as anti-bribery, anti-corruption and whistleblowing, among others.

“A structured process for capturing allegations, conducting investigations and enforcing strict consequences was also introduced. These are logged and investigated by an experienced team, independent of external interference. Under this process, in 2024 alone more than 30 Air India employees have been terminated for various ethical breaches, with numerous others receiving other disciplinary action,” the statement added.

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