Air India Sacks Trainer Pilot, 10 Others Removed From Flying Duties

Air India on Wednesday dismissed a simulator trainer pilot due to negligence and temporarily grounded 10 pilots trained by him. This decision followed a whistleblower's report highlighting the trainer's inadequate performance during simulator sessions. The airline, owned by the Tata group, confirmed the allegations after a thorough investigation.

The whistleblower's actions were praised by Air India, which reported the incident to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) as part of its transparency initiative. "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," Air India said.

Implementation of Tata Code of Conduct

Following its acquisition by the Tata group in January 2022, Air India adopted the Tata Code of Conduct. This code aims to set clear behavioural standards and promote cultural transformation within the company. Employees received extensive training on ethics-related policies, including anti-bribery and anti-corruption measures.

An apex ethics committee, led by senior management, oversees efforts to cultivate an environment intolerant of unethical practices. Regular awareness campaigns are conducted to reinforce these expectations among employees. "This included comprehensive training for all employees on Tata's ethos and ethics-related policies, such as anti-bribery, anti-corruption and whistleblowing, among others," Air India stated.

Strict Measures Against Ethical Breaches

A structured process for handling allegations has been established at Air India. This involves capturing complaints, conducting investigations, and enforcing strict consequences without external influence. In 2024 alone, over 30 employees have been terminated for ethical violations, with others facing disciplinary actions.

The airline emphasised its commitment to maintaining high ethical standards through independent investigations conducted by an experienced team. These measures are part of Air India's broader strategy to align with Tata group's values and ensure accountability across all levels.

The airline's proactive approach in addressing this issue reflects its dedication to safety and integrity in operations.