AI softens stance,may take back sacked pilots

As the pilots strike entered eleventh day today,the government indicated that Air India may be willing to consider taking back some of the terminated pilots,said sources. The pilots,however,will have to first report to duty,for them to consider any of their demands. We are open to having a dialogue once they join. We can discuss all their grievances, said Ajit Singh.

The airline sacked 71 pilots,including ten office bearers of the Indian Pilots Guild IPG,and recommended their licence cancellation to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.

Sources indicated that the sacked pilots may be taken back on a case per case basis. Earlier in the week,executive pilots met Singh to try and attempt a breakthrough in the impasse and initiate talks.