Jet Airways Pilots Union : The Full Circle or Karma Comes Back

This writeup is Written by an Ex-Kingfisher Pilot and thus must be read with the perspective of an individual as presently same pain is being undergone by Jet Airways employees and we sincerely hope that the airline is revived as not only employees who are directly hit but commuters also suffer as they have to pay higher prices as the number of seats on offer have reduced which has led to higher airfares. Traders can consider checking this writeup whether Jetairways to buy or Sell here.

In the Aviation business, one can not be too arrogant, particularly the Pilots of the Airline Union towards pilots from other Airlines. You sow, thus you shall reap.

I can not but narrate the story of KFA pilots vis a vis Jet Pilots Union. The KFA was tottering and we were without salaries and our currency was about to expire. Ths A330 operations were stopped and we were desperately looking for other avenues. Jet was hiring expats at a double the cost for A330.

We approached them for jobs. The Jet Pilots Union opposed our employment stating that the career growth of their own pilots would be affected. We said that we do not want a permanent contract, just interim employment on short term contract so that we could maintain our currency and join other Airlines outside the country.

We offered: even at one month notice we were ready to leave if were to affect the career growth of Jet Pilots. The expats were being hired in Dollars that to tax paid 15000 plus other amenities. And here we were available and ready to sign a short term contract at Indian salary with one month notice period by the Company.

We just needed little breathing time and a bit of support to maintain our currency. We did not want any seniority or even privileges and perks. Even the chairman Naresh Goyal was amenable was happy to hire us. Why not? He wanted to save money in dollars. But in his own words, he could not antogonise hundreds and hundreds of Jet Union Pilots. But the arrogance of the Jet pilot Union was mind-boggling. It did not mind foreigners being employed in dollar terms even at higher salary but would not accept any Indians or any Indian passport holders for that matter.

Wow. Times change. Now the same pilots are running around begging around. I am sure the career growth of many Spicejet pilots would be affected by the lateral entry of the pilots from Jet Airways Union. Many Spicejet pilots, stood by the company during the dark days and remained with Spicejet believing in the appeal by Ajay Singh. Now many of these pilots who are ready for an upgrade would be affected or their progress will be delayed. The same will be the case with other airlines.

 Where is the Jet Airways Pilots Union? The office bearers also must be negotiating with other Airlines, begging for employment. Why these guys are coming to the native airlines? They can approach the white skins whom they favored over the native desi pilots like us. Is it Karma?

 This narration must be sounding nasty but it must be told. It is not that I get vicarious pleasure; we who were in the KFA know what it means when you are without salary, and stare at the loss of license currency and uncertain future. Suri might have been crude and nasty but the Jet Airways Union was no better. Life turns full circle. All the best to Jet Airways.

We had predicted fall of Kingfisher Airlines before it actually happened but Jet Airways going down its weight came as a surprise as it is an election year and everyone expected that govt will help them tide over the crisis. Wanna make some extra money, then consider checking trading tips today and start making money like pro traders.