Aviation

Air India Rolls Out New Travel Guidelines for Retired Workers

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On Wednesday, Air India revealed a revised policy about discounted travel benefits for its retired staff, signaling a substantial change in the long-standing benefits received by its former employees.

The revised policy reduces the allowances previously provided to retired employees to a fixed allocation of four “passages” per year. Despite this modification, the policy document’s release caused the airline’s retirees to sigh jointly in relief, casting doubt on the future of this specific retirement benefit for months.

The main portion of the travel benefit is still in place, as retired workers and their designees are eligible for free tickets with only taxes to pay. However, there is a degree of unpredictability to the process as it depends on seat availability at the time of flight closure, particularly during the busiest travel seasons.

With the introduction of a structured booking framework, the updated policy assigns different classes according to the job positions held at the time of retirement. Furthermore, respecting a code of conduct is highly valued, and recipients are expected to positively represent Air India and refrain from exploiting the benefits for their own gain. As a requirement for eligibility, they must maintain a spotless record during their entire service term, highlighting the airline’s dedication to developing an ethical and responsible culture.

Significantly, employees are only permitted to travel if there are still open seats at the time of flight closure, which happens after the check-in counter opens. This means that the travel privilege is “subject-to-load” based. Furthermore, it is made clear that a return journey—whether it be direct or involves transportation—constitutes a single passage, guaranteeing consistency in usage regulations.

Airlines

Air India to Launch aircraft maintenance training institute in Bengaluru

Air India, one of India’s leading global airlines, is set to establish a Basic Maintenance Training Organization (BMTO) in Bengaluru.

This institute will offer a comprehensive Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) program certified by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The program will follow an integrated 2+2 year structure, combining classroom learning with practical, hands-on training.

This initiative is part of Air India’s broader goal of creating a robust aviation ecosystem in India. With plans to expand its fleet and strengthen its operations, the airline aims to build a skilled workforce of maintenance engineers, making the organization self-reliant while supporting its ambitious transformation journey.

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To bring this vision to life, air india has partnered with Bengaluru Airport City Limited (BACL), a subsidiary of Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL). Together, they will develop a state-of-the-art facility spanning 86,000 square feet at Bengaluru Airport City.

This purpose-built campus will feature modern classrooms, well-equipped laboratories, and qualified trainers to deliver world-class education and training. The institute is expected to become operational by mid-2026.

The BMTO will be located close to Air India’s new 12-bay Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility, also set to open in Bengaluru by early 2026. The AME program will begin with two years of academic coursework, followed by two years of practical training at the MRO, ensuring students receive hands-on experience adhering to industry standards.

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In the meantime, Air India has introduced a Cadet AME program in collaboration with reputable institutions in Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

This ensures continuity in its commitment to developing skilled aircraft maintenance engineers while the BMTO facility is under construction. The program also allows students to pursue a bachelor’s degree through university partnerships, enhancing their career and academic opportunities.

With this initiative, air india plane aims to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in aircraft maintenance and engineering, air india new planes contributing to the development of India’s aviation sector and creating specialized career paths for aspiring engineers.