Airlines Anticipate 20% Rise in Pilot Recruitment with New Regulations

In a significant development, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has introduced new duty rules that mandate a 48-hour weekly rest period for pilots, up from the previous 36 hours.

While this move has been welcomed by pilots for enhancing their well-being, airlines are expressing concerns over potential spikes in employment costs, given that pilot salaries already constitute more than half of an airline’s wage bill.

A senior executive from a leading airline has estimated that, due to the new regulations, the industry may need to hire an additional 15-20% more pilots just to maintain current operational levels. This unexpected surge in demand for pilots could potentially slow down the growth plans of airlines, impacting their expansion efforts.

One of the notable clauses causing worry among airlines pertains to night duty restrictions. The revised rules have extended the definition of night duty from midnight to 6 a.m., as opposed to the previous midnight to 5 a.m. This adjustment also places restrictions on the maximum duty time and number of landings that pilots can undertake during night operations now limited to two landings, compared to the previous allowance of six.

The DGCA has justified these changes by emphasizing the importance of ensuring flight safety. The maximum flight time and flight duty period during operations encroaching on night hours are now capped at 8 hours and 10 hours, respectively. The reduction in the number of permissible landings is seen as a measure to mitigate potential fatigue-related risks.

Furthermore, the DGCA has introduced a requirement for all airline operators to submit quarterly fatigue reports, including an analysis of the reports and actions taken in response. Strikingly, these reports are to follow a non-punitive and confidential policy, reflecting the regulatory body’s commitment to addressing pilot fatigue without penalizing the professionals.

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