http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1823634.cms
Expat pilots get extension
Shobha John
[ 30 Jul, 2006 0058hrs ISTTIMES NEWS NETWORK ]
 
 
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NEW DELHI: In a move that has ramifications across India's booming aviation sector, the government has extended the tenure of foreign pilots from one to three years. This will temporarily help tide over the crisis of pilot shortage.

"India's dependency on foreign pilots," says Kanu Gohain, D-G, DGCA, "will continue till such time as Indian pilots achieve type rating in adequate numbers."

According to the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA), India has 256 aircraft with around 2,100 pilots. Over 300 are estimated to be foreign commanders. In the next five years, India would need an additional 2,500-3,000 pilots. Of these, over 70% will have to be foreign pilots.

Except for China and India, emerging aviation markets, most other countries, especially US and Europe, have been hard hit after 9/11. Airlines have slashed jobs, leading to unemployment. As a result, pilots are flying in from France, Nigeria, Bolivia, Romania, Uzbekistan...to make hay while the sun shines here.

"China and India together have resulted in an almost 20% growth in per hourly costs of pilots abroad," says Kapil Kaul, CEO, Indian Subcontinent and Middle East, CAPA.

Airlines are naturally hailing the government's move. Siddhanth Sharma, CEO, SpiceJet, says airlines can now be sure expats won't leave in a hurry. "The process of inducting an expat pilot takes 1-2 months.

A longer tenure means we don't need to do most of the government formalities again and again. They too can bring families. This would work out cheaper for us also," he says.