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Ashwini Phadnis

New Delhi, Aug. 31 In an attempt to reduce its workforce, Air India may offer its staff involved in non-operational work a sabbatical scheme which will allow them to take a minimum of two years and a maximum of five years off from their job with the airline.

The scheme, which is still under consideration, is unlikely to cover pilots, engineers and cabin crew personnel.

“The idea of the scheme is to allow staff to enhance skills. The period for which the staff is on leave will be considered as a lien which ensure that their jobs are protected if they wish to come back,” sources told Business Line.

Those availing themselves of the sabbatical will be entitled to air passages and medical benefits but will not get their pay and allowances.

The final decision of allowing someone who has applied for the sabbatical scheme will be at the sole discretion of the management.

This is just one of the proposals that are being examined by the airline to control costs and get the airline back in the black.

The implementation of the proposal is likely to result in an annual saving of about Rs 16-20 crore in the annual salary bill of the airline.

If the proposal is implemented, it will be the second time that such a scheme is being introduced in the airline.

Earlier, in late 1990s, the airline had implemented such a scheme and about 250 personnel had availed themselves of the offer.

The airline is also looking at controlling costs by rationalising its domestic and international flight operations, putting in place systems to ensure that fuel efficiency is maximised and by deploying more of its own fleet of new aircraft instead of operating leased aircraft.

More Stories on : Airlines | Human Resources

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