15 years not enough to cover pilot training cost, Air India tells Bombay high court

Air India (AI) has told the Bombay high court that it spends huge amounts of money on training its pilots and hence cannot let them leave for “greener pastures”.

The court was hearing a petition filed by captain V Sivaraman, who after 15 years of service, quit on health grounds. In 2006, HC had directed AI to accept his resignation subject to the outcome of the petition and his retiral benefits were kept in abeyance. The matter has now reached its final hearing and Sivaraman, now working in Doha (Qatar), is seeking release of his dues.

Sivaraman joined AI as a trainee pilot in June 1989 and was appointed co-pilot a year later. He rose to the level of commander. He tendered his resignation on April 15, 2005 after giving six months’ notice to the airline. He blamed the heavy schedule of flying imposed by AI for affecting his health. On May 9, 2005 AI told him that his resignation has not been accepted as he has no right to unilaterally enforce his resignation and that it has spent huge sums of money on his training and development.

His lawyer MN Bhatkal said Sivaraman has no liability towards the airline and had discharged his dues. AI lawyer said that commander training is a specialised service and accepting his resignation would serve as a precedent for others pilots to leave. “The expenses are high. For every upgrade, we pay Rs50 lakh to Rs60 lakh on training,” he said.

“There is no bond I am bound to serve. They may have paid for training but I was giving my expertise in return,” said Bhatkal on Sivaraman’s behalf. AI lawyer sought adjournment. Bhatkal told HC there are chances of a settlement with AI. The matter has been adjourned to December 6.