Air India has officially increased the retirement age for its pilots from 58 to 65 years, aligning it with the retirement age previously followed by Vistara, which merged with Air India in November 2024.
The decision was announced during a recent townhall meeting led by Campbell Wilson, CEO and Managing Director of Air India.
The move also extends the retirement age for non-flying staff from 58 to 60 years, though it remains unclear whether similar changes will apply to cabin crew, whose retirement age currently stands at 58.
Air India Addressing Disparities Post-Merger
The retirement age revision comes in response to internal concerns raised during the integration of Vistara and Air India.
Prior to the merger, Vistara pilots were permitted to fly until 65, in line with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) regulations.
In contrast, Air India pilots faced mandatory retirement at 58, despite DGCA allowing commercial pilots to operate until 65.
This discrepancy led to dissatisfaction among Air India’s pilot community, who felt disadvantaged compared to their Vistara counterparts.
By harmonizing retirement policies, the airline aims to resolve internal discontent, promote fairness, and foster a unified workforce culture.
Strategic Rationale: Retaining Experience Amid Expansion
The decision is also rooted in Air India’s broader strategy to retain experienced talent as it embarks on an ambitious expansion plan.
With a fleet renewal underway and new international routes being added, the airline requires seasoned pilots to ensure operational stability and safety.
Air India currently employs around 24,000 staff, including approximately 3,600 pilots and 9,500 cabin crew members.
Retaining veteran pilots not only supports continuity but also helps bridge the gap while newer recruits undergo training and certification.
Implications for Employees and Industry
For pilots, the extended retirement age offers an opportunity to continue their careers and contribute to the airline’s growth.
The additional two years of service offer non-flying staff greater financial stability.
This extension also supports career continuity in an industry where transitioning between roles can be challenging.
However, the announcement leaves some questions unanswered.
The retirement age for cabin crew currently remains at 58. Air India has not yet issued any official statement about potential changes to this policy.
Industry observers view the move as a pragmatic response to talent retention challenges and a step toward policy standardization across merged entities.
It also reflects a growing trend among airlines to maximize workforce utility amid rising operational demands.
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