Skift Take
As Indian carriers look to increase their aircraft fleet and expand jet numbers, it is crucial that airlines are positioned to attract and retain pilots in a highly competitive market fueled by resurgent demand for air travel.
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In a race to bring pilots onboard, India’s newest airline Akasa Air has reportedly raised pilots’ salary by up to 40% amid Tata-owned Air India and budget carrier IndiGo's massive expansion plans with orders for hundreds of new aircraft.
Effective from July onwards, senior first officers will get $4,145 per month versus the current $3,353. Senior captains will earn $7,621 per month up from $7,011.
The airline's decision to implement the substantial salary hike is indicative of its ambitious plans to launch international operations later this year with a fleet of 72 Boeing 737 Max aircraft, with intentions to expand to 100 aircraft by 2025. It has also ordered four additional Boeing 737-8 jets, which are to be delivered in the next four years.
The pay could be much higher depending on the pilot’s experience and flying hours. A captain can earn $9,450 at the maximum limit of 60 hours per month, which is about 6% more than the current $8,877 per month. As per its new pay structure, Akasa Air will also revise its fixed pay hours from 45 hours to 40 hours.
Earlier, Air India hiked salaries by 20% in April and SpiceJet announced a rise in salary in May. Last month, even cash-strapped airline Go First said it would raise captains' monthly salaries by $1,211 during the ongoing insolvency proceedings that has forced the airline to temporarily suspend its operations since May 3.
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