India Seeks New Code of Conduct for Hiring Aviation Staff

India is pushing for countries to agree on a new code of conduct for the hiring of airlines’ staff from other countries. This move comes amid concerns about the poaching of Indian pilots and cabin crew without adequate compensation. The lack of experienced pilots is a significant challenge for India, one of the fastest-growing aviation markets in the world.

Concerns Over Poaching of Indian Pilots and Cabin Crew

The recent fatal crash of an Air India jetliner has triggered a closer examination of the sector. Foreign airlines have been repeatedly hiring specialists from Indian airlines, which "influences the ability of India to develop its civil air sector in an orderly manner." This practice creates a vicious circle where Indian airlines are forced to continuously recruit and train replacement personnel, distracting resources from expansion activities and operational improvements.

Impact on India’s Aviation Sector

The Indian government has stated that the country will need 30,000 pilots over the next 15 to 20 years, up from the current 6,000 to 7,000. The airlines have a combined fleet of over 1,700 aircraft, with Indigo and Air India leading the sector. The poaching of pilots has resulted in economic losses, affecting the ability of Indian airlines to compete in international markets and achieve their ambitious goals, including 300 million domestic passengers by 2030.

Proposed Code of Conduct

India has proposed the creation of a code of conduct for the movement of qualified aviation workers in ICAO member countries. The code aims to prevent the poaching of Indian pilots and cabin crew and promote orderly growth in the civil air sector. While the details of the code are not specified, it is expected to address the challenges faced by Indian airlines in recruiting and retaining experienced staff.

International Cooperation

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) plays a crucial role in determining standards for the aviation industry. India’s proposal for a code of conduct is expected to be discussed at the ICAO’s three-year meeting. The organization’s consensus-based approach will be essential in establishing a common framework for the hiring of aviation staff across member countries.