Around 40 pilots operating SpiceJet's Q400 aircraft have reportedly refused to fly until the cash-strapped airline clears their pending salary dues, according to sources. The move has received the backing of the Airline Pilots' Association of India (ALPA India), which has expressed solidarity with the pilots and raised concerns over their working conditions.
The development comes amid continuing financial and operational difficulties at the budget carrier, which has been under close monitoring by aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Sources said on Monday that the pilots had recently decided not to operate flights until their outstanding salaries were paid. However, further details regarding the duration of the action and its impact on flight operations could not be immediately ascertained.
SpiceJet did not comment on the development.
๐ฃ๐ถ๐น๐ผ๐๐' ๐ฏ๐ผ๐ฑ๐ ๐ฒ๐ ๐๐ฒ๐ป๐ฑ๐ ๐๐๐ฝ๐ฝ๐ผ๐ฟ๐
In a letter dated October 9, addressed to its members and the wider civil aviation fraternity, ALPA India said it stood firmly in solidarity with the pilots operating SpiceJet's Q400 fleet.
The association assured them of its moral support and all possible logistical, professional and consultative assistance in pursuing a fair and constructive resolution.
Without providing specific details, ALPA India said it had been informed that a group of Q400 pilots had resolved to take a principled stand to protect their legitimate rights, professional dignity and aviation safety standards.
The association emphasised that the concerns raised by the pilots extended beyond delayed salary payments to the broader operational environment in which they were being required to work.
๐๐ถ๐ป๐ฎ๐ป๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฎ๐น ๐๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐ ๐ณ๐น๐ฎ๐ด๐ด๐ฒ๐ฑ
According to ALPA India, the pilots had reportedly been working under considerable stress and uncertainty because of persistent financial and operational challenges confronting the airline.
The association referred to reports of unpaid vendors declining to provide essential aircraft-related services, alongside delayed salaries and outstanding employee benefits.
It said these circumstances had created an increasingly difficult working environment for the pilots.
The association also linked the pilots' concerns to the need to maintain uncompromising aviation safety standards, underscoring the importance of resolving financial and operational issues affecting flight crew.
๐ข๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐ฎ๐น ๐ณ๐น๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐บ๐ฎ๐ถ๐ป๐ ๐น๐ถ๐บ๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐ฑ
SpiceJet has been struggling with financial and operational headwinds for several months, with a substantial portion of its aircraft remaining out of service.
According to information available on aircraft fleet-tracking website Planespotters.net, the airline currently has an operational fleet of 10 aircraft, including two Q400 turboprop planes, while another 37 aircraft are parked.
The Q400 aircraft are generally deployed on short-haul and regional routes, making the availability of trained pilots important for maintaining scheduled operations involving these planes.
The reported refusal by around 40 pilots to operate flights adds to the challenges confronting the airline, although the immediate impact on its services remains unclear.
๐๐๐๐ ๐บ๐ผ๐ป๐ถ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ฎ๐ถ๐ฟ๐น๐ถ๐ป๐ฒ
The DGCA has been closely monitoring SpiceJet amid its continuing operational and financial difficulties.
The latest dispute has brought renewed attention to the airline's ability to meet its financial obligations towards employees and service providers while maintaining regular flight operations.
ALPA India's intervention highlights concerns over the consequences of prolonged financial uncertainty for aviation personnel and the importance of addressing employee grievances without compromising safety.
There was no immediate confirmation of any agreement between the airline and the pilots or a timeline for clearing the outstanding salary dues.