The pilots communication came at a time when the Centre has directed all its functionaries to travel by economy-class as a part of its austerity measures.
Reacting to allegations levelled by a non-executive pilots' body of the erstwhile Indian Airlines that VIPs were occupying business class seats despite having economy fare tickets, Air India today asked for specific instance to support the charge.
"We are surprised by the contents of the letter (given by the Indian Commercial Pilots Association or the ICPA) because as per our information no pilot or cabin-crew has ever made a complaint to say that economy-class passengers have unauthorisedly occupied business-class seats after the aircraft doors are shut," an Air India spokesperson told PTI here.
The spokesperson said if the pilots body had any specific instance, it should have included it in the letter for the Air India management to "react and act".
ICPA had yesterday shot-off a letter to Air India chairman-cum-managing director Arvind Jadhav alleging that VIPs, including ministers and parliamentarians were occupying business-class seats on an economy-class ticket after the aircraft doors are shut.
The pilots communication came at a time when the Centre has directed all its functionaries to travel by economy-class as a part of its austerity measures.
"As a matter-of-fact, ICPA has gone ahead to state that they should not be held accountable if any VIP has to forcibly occupy business class seat," the spokesperson said.
ICPA should know that company rules allow employees to express their point of view and stand before any one can be held responsible for any wrong doings, the spokesperson said, adding, "the apprehension, therefore, is totally misplaced."
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