Will pilot exodus hit Indian carriers badly?

Here is a verbatim transcript of Neha Pandey's comments on CNBC-TV18. Also watch the accompanying video.

The major expansion plans by the West Asian carriers like the Qatar, Emirates, Etihad and Oman Air has led to a big time hiring from India and this will affect the Indian domestic carriers in a big way. At least 100 pilots employed by the Indian domestic carriers are estimated to be joining one of the West Asian carriers in lieu of better packages and incentives. Sources tell us that pilots inducted by the West Asian carriers have been promised a 30% pay hike on an average, more rest hours and options to choose flying hours.

Apart from the pay cuts, pilots employed by domestic carriers were unhappy about airlines cutting down capacity and flying hours. This exodus of pilots is slated to hit Jet Airways the maximum. Sources, close to this development in Jet Airways, believe that a minimum of 40 pilots including 20 senior pilots are quitting Jet Airways to join one of the West Asian carriers. Spice Jet has also confirmed losing some pilots to the West Asian carriers.

In an email response Jet Airways has told CNBC-TV18, "Jet Airways has sufficient number of pilots for its operations and training facilities to create a pool of trained cockpit crew. Jet Airways will not be affected by this exodus."

Qatar Airways is hiring big time from India because it has major fleet expansion plans in place. It has been taken delivery of one new Boeing 777 practically every month since January. Industry experts say, "West Asian carriers are taking delivery of 50 wide-body aircrafts this year and this will account for 21% of total deliveries in 2009. These numbers could increase if the loss-making Asian and European airlines defer or cancel some of their deliveries."

According to sources, West Asian carriers have also approached pilots employed with Air India.