B'lore: Air India to train science student as pilots

Bangalore, Feb 9: Shortage of pilots has been bothering Indian carriers for a long time.

But Air India (AI) seems to have found out a quick fix solution.

The Maharaja is now visiting colleges, picking up science students.

After a quick pilot aptitude test, the national carrier will offerthem training abroad. When they get back, they will be required to joinAI.

The airline is also arranging bank loans for them which will laterbe adjusted from their salary. In fact, their salaries will beequivalent to jobs post-MBA.

''The selection process for first batch is on,'' said AI's chairman and managing director Vasudevan Thulasidas.

The airline is in the process of being merged with its domesticcounterpart Indian. After the merger, the fleet size of the combinedentity will be over 120 planes.

AI officials say it will need at least 500 more pilots over thenext three years. Rampant poaching in the industry, however, remain afear.

UNI