Simulator trainer pilot terminated for not properly discharging his duties during recurrent training: Air India

Simulator trainer pilot terminated for not properly discharging his duties during recurrent training: Air India

Air India on March 5 said it has terminated a simulator trainer pilot after a probe revealed that he failed to properly discharge his duties during recurrent simulator training for pilots.

The probe was necessitated after a whistleblower alleged that the simulator trainer pilot wasn't properly following training protocols.

"Recently, a whistleblower alleged that a simulator trainer pilot had failed to properly discharge his duties during recurrent simulator training for pilots. A detailed investigation was conducted and, following a review of the evidence, the allegation was corroborated. Accordingly, the said trainer pilot’s services are being terminated," said Air India.

"Air India has voluntarily reported the matter to the Indian aviation regulator, DGCA, as part of our voluntary disclosure practice, and has commended the whistleblower for stepping forward," the airline added.

The Tata-owned airline said it has reported the matter to the aviation regulator DGCA and that, as a precaution, ten pilots who underwent recurrent training under the trainer pilot have been removed from flying duties pending further investigation.

"Immediately following the privatisation of Air India under the Tata group, the airline implemented the Tata Code of Conduct to establish clear behavioural expectations and accelerate cultural change to that of a Tata Group Company. This included comprehensive training for all employees on Tata’s ethos and ethics-related policies, such as anti-bribery, anti-corruption and whistleblowing, among others," said the airline.

An Apex Ethics Committee, led by senior management, oversees efforts to foster a culture with zero tolerance for unethical behaviour. Extensive awareness campaigns are regularly conducted to reinforce expectations.

A structured process for capturing allegations, conducting investigations and enforcing strict consequences was also introduced. These are logged and investigated by an experienced team, independent of external interference. Under this process, in 2024 alone more than 30 Air India employees have been terminated for various ethical breaches, with numerous others receiving other disciplinary action, the airline added.