Air India Express Pilots Question Revised Pay Package Despite Higher Earnings Offer

Air India Express pilots have raised concerns over the proposed revised compensation structure, despite the airline offering higher potential earnings. According to industry sources, the pilots' apprehensions centre on income predictability, leave benefits, and the allocation of operational risks.

The airline has proposed a revised package that includes increased monthly earnings across pilot ranks. A Boeing 737 fleet allowance of up to Rs 21 lakh for Senior Commanders and Commanders, and Rs 10 lakh for Senior First Officers, has been offered, payable in three equal instalments over three years starting October 2026. The proposal also includes revised productivity pay rates, a narrow-body allowance of Rs 25,000 for P1 and Rs 10,000 for P2 categories as part of fixed pay, and changes to base posting rules.

Additionally, the airline has proposed a new leave framework effective April 1, 2027, which includes 24 Privilege Leave, 12 Sick Leave, and six Casual Leave days per year. This structure is intended to provide pilots with clearer scheduling and rest provisions.

However, pilots have expressed reservations about the structure of the package. They note that it guarantees only 40 hours of block pay, with the remaining earnings dependent on monthly utilisation. This, they argue, shifts the burden of rostering and fleet deployment risks—areas controlled by the company—onto the flight crew. Pilots have pointed out that the pre-COVID model of 70-hour fixed pay provided greater income stability, and they believe the temporary reduction implemented during the pandemic should not be made permanent.

Another point of contention is the interaction between leave and variable pay. Pilots have flagged that opting for Privilege Leave could lead to a reduction in variable pay due to fewer flying hours. This, they say, effectively turns approved paid leave into a salary cut, undermining the purpose of leave benefits.

Pilots have also highlighted that they continue to perform positioning duties, waiting time, night and WOCL operations, lounge stays, critical airfield operations, and tail swaps. Despite these additional responsibilities, the payable flying hours remain limited, which they believe does not adequately compensate for their actual workload.

Further, pilot representatives have noted a reduction in Privilege Leave by six days compared to previous provisions. They have sought clarity on several operational and administrative matters, including night and WOCL duties, lounge stays, critical airfield operations, tail swaps, the treatment of Sick Leave and Privilege Leave, as well as taxation and repayment conditions related to any retention bonus.

According to industry sources, the revised offer letters were scheduled to be issued by August 14, with pilots required to accept the terms by August 28. This tight timeline has added to the sense of urgency among pilots, who maintain that higher headline figures alone do not address their fundamental concerns over income security, the value of leave, and the overall employment structure.

The ongoing dialogue between the airline and pilot representatives reflects broader tensions in the aviation sector, where operational flexibility and employee welfare must be balanced. As the deadline approaches, both parties are expected to continue discussions to reach a mutually acceptable agreement.