Pilot fatigue not the reason: Air India MD

Mangalore, May 24: Arvind Jadhav, Air India Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) said that pilot fatigue can never be the reason for the clash, at the Bajpe Airport on Sunday, May 23. He said that the crash was a 'human tragedy' but refused to comment on 'speculative theories' about the crash.

He was addressing the media in Mangalore while reiterated that both the pilot and the co-pilot had been 'well-rested' before

the flying to Mangalore. He said that the co-pilot H S Ahluwalia had rested for three and a half days, the pilot Glusica had last flown on May 19, three days before the tragedy. Ahluwalia was stationed at Mangalore.

He also informed that Air India will provide an interim compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the relatives of the deceased who were aged 12 or above. Those below the age of 12 would get the compensation of Rs 5 lakh. Air India would also pay an amount of Rs 2 lakh, who suffered the injuries in the crash.

“We are yet to file our compensation claims with our insurers, Reliance Insurance and the general insurance Corporation,' said the Air India chief. He also said that full payment will be made after Air India's claims are settled by the insurers.

Air India has also set up Emergency Command Centres at Mangalore and Mumbai to enable information and aid the families of the aircrash victims, in terms of travel, logistics and will help families coordinate with the local authorities.

OneIndia News