Airlines

SWISS airline cabin crew to get pay rises of up to 18%

Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) and kapers, the union of its cabin personnel, have reached agreement after robust negotiations on the cornerstones of a new collective labour agreement (CLA). The accord, which follows agreements with the company’s social partners for its ground and cockpit personnel, marks a further major achievement for all the parties involved.

One key element in the new CLA23 is the substantial across-the-board increases to cabin staff salaries. With effect from 1 January 2023, the monthly starting salary will be raised to CHF 4,000, and existing salaries will be increased by at least four per cent for all salary levels. The highest increases here will be seen with cabin crew members in the lower salary categories; but long-serving cabin staff, too, will see a sizeable rise in their monthly salaries.

Cabin crew members will also benefit from actions to enhance the plannability of their social lives, particularly through the earlier publication of their monthly rosters, under the new CLA23. And agreement has further been reached on the adoption of new part-time employment models, including a ‘Study & Fly’ model that should provide students with greater flexibility. All in all, the improvements agreed under CLA23 will cost SWISS some CHF 100 million in additional investment over the next five years.

Reto Schmid, Head of Cabin Crew: “After some very tough negotiations, I am all the more delighted that we have reached agreement on a new CLA that delivers significant benefits for all our cabin crew members, in terms of both their remuneration and the plannability of their private lives.”

The full provisions of the new CLA23 will be fleshed out between now and the end of this year. The proposed new agreement will then be put to kapers members for their referendum approval.

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.