India stops foreign pilot ban, for now

INDIA has cancelled its threatened ban of foreign airline pilots. However, the threat is only postponed and may resurface next year.

The move had originally been intended to remove 400 foreign pilots to free up industry space for the glut of almost 3,000 novice pilots unable to find postings. However, India does not have enough seasoned pilots for its expanding aviation businesses, a gap that has been filled from overseas.

“I don’t see it as feasible to think that foreign pilots can be sent out of the country,” said Kapil Kaul, chief executive officer for the Centre for Asia-Pacific Aviation. “The shortages are felt in terms of having experienced commanders. As growth progresses, that shortage is going to be more pronounced.”

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