Jet Airways asks junior pilots to take 30% pay cut

The airline in a statement attributed the decision to slash salaries to developments in the market, including the Gulf region.

Jet Airways has asked its junior or trainee pilots to take a cut of 30 per cent in their salaries, according to sources.

"In a letter, the management has asked first officers (junior pilots) to take a pay cut of 30 per cent. We will take up this matter in our next meeting with the management," one of the sources said.

The airline in a statement attributed the decision to slash salaries to developments in the market, including the Gulf region.

"Certain developments in the market, including that of the Gulf region, as well as our continued efforts to enhance internal efficiencies, has resulted in the review of our network, fleet and crew utilisation.

"Consequently, as a proactive measure, the company has made interim alignments to its crew work patterns, which will be reviewed in future, in line with network growth," the statement said.

According to sources, a Jet Airways junior pilot or co-pilot with an experience of one year earns over Rs 200,000 per month.

Photograph: Amit Dave/Reuters