Ajit Singh hopes striking pilots would follow HC order

Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh addresses a press conference in New Delhi. Holding that interest of the airline and passengers was of paramount interest, the Minister said, “They must make sure that Air India does not lose credibility.” File photo: Shiv Kumar Pushpakar

With the strike by protesting Air India pilots entering the third day, Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh on Thursday reaffirmed government’s readiness to hold talks with the pilots and hoped that they would follow the High Court order declaring the stir illegal.

“High Court has given a very clear order. Let us hope that pilots follow the High Court judgement. Every thing is negotiable but they must reach out to us first,” Mr. Singh said.

Holding that interest of the airline and passengers was of paramount interest, the Minister said, “They must make sure that Air India does not lose credibility.”

The Delhi High Court had on Wednesday held the strike illegal and barred the pilots from any protest action.

Despite the Court order, the pilots remained defiant and said the agitation would continue till their demands were met.

Around 200 Air India pilots owing allegiance to Indian Pilots Guild (IPG) had reported sick on Tuesday resulting in cancellation pf six international flights on Wednesday and around 20 flights on Thursday.

The pilots have been protesting against rescheduling of Boeing 787 Dreamliner training and matters relating to their career progression.

Mr. Singh said the Justice Dharmadhikari penal report, on integration of workforce of erstwhile Air India and Indian Airlines including promotions, has already considered the issues raised by the agitating pilots.