Air India looks to revamp cabin crew ahead of fleet additions

Air India is trying to mix youth with experience amongst its cabin crew.

It has hired close to 1,000 people as cabin crew in the last few months within the age bracket of 20-27.

“We want a good mix of youth and experience. Once the new inductees are trained, we will integrate them into the existing staff for a good mix of experience and youth,” said an Air India official.

Many of the new inductees have been hired through subsidiaries of Air India, which makes them contractual employees, he added.

Fleet addition

The airline's recent staff additions are also a preparation for the new fleet additions.

It is expected to take deliveries of the first batch of Boeing 787 Dreamliners from the end of this year.

“We want to offer our passengers a fresh experience on the 787 Dreamliner. The uniforms will also see an overhaul soon. We have asked the National Institute of Fashion Technology, Delhi to design the new uniforms,” said an airline official.

Age-Limit for Cabin Crew

The existing age-limit for cabin crew is 58.

The airline is considering reducing this. However, officials say that no jobs will be cut even if the proposal is accepted.

“Those above the age limit will be re-entrenched to ground jobs,” said the official.

Industry analysts said the move to include newfaces in the cabin crew will help Air India revamp its image.

“The airline's image needs a makeover. Initiatives such as inducting younger staff and a change of uniforms arerequired for the airline to renew itself and attract more passengers,” said an analyst.

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