Vistara CEO Vinod Kannan
Following tumultuous days marked by flight cancellations and delays, Vistara CEO Vinod Kannan engaged in a candid town hall with striking pilots to address concerns stemming from the recent disruptions.
Here”s a breakdown of the key points discussed during the session, as reported by journalist Jagriti Chandra:
Apology for Disruptions: CEO Vinod Kannan extended apologies to the pilots for the recent disruptions, acknowledging the inconvenience caused by flight cancellations and significant delays.
Roster Mismanagement: Kannan recognised grievances to roster mismanagement and committed to making rosters more favourable for pilots to ensure a better work-life balance. He emphasised the airline”s willingness to prioritise pilots” interests even if it means taking a commercial hit.
Seeking Understanding and Support: Kannan appealed to the pilots for their understanding and support during this challenging period, highlighting the importance of solidarity in overcoming operational challenges.
Causes of Disruptions: The CEO attributed the recent wave of cancellations and delays to a stretched network, compounded by factors such as bird strikes, air traffic control issues, and engine problems leading to groundings.
Media Reports Clarification: Kannan refuted media reports suggesting that a section of pilots resorted to reporting sick as a form of protest against the new pay structure. He explained that the surge in sick leaves during March, typical before the fiscal year-end, could have been managed more effectively by the airline.
Path to Normalcy: Kannan expressed optimism that flight operations would gradually return to normalcy following cancellations on consecutive days. The airline plans to scale back operations for the remainder of the month to ensure an adequate pilot buffer.
New Pay Structure: Addressing concerns regarding the new pay structure, Kannan emphasised its broader benefits for the entire pilot community while acknowledging some dissatisfaction among First Officers. He reassured pilots that their position in the global seniority list would be safeguarded, ensuring a smooth transition amid the merger with Air India.
Dialogue with Air India: Kannan pledged to maintain an ongoing dialogue with Air India to ensure the implementation of the agreed-upon seniority list, reassuring Vistara pilots of their place within the merged entity.
Engagement with Other Departments: The CEO conducted similar town hall sessions with other departments, including cabin crew and engineering, underscoring the company”s commitment to addressing concerns across the organisation.
The town hall served as a platform for constructive dialogue between Vistara management and pilots, reflecting efforts to navigate through the current crisis and chart a course for operational stability in the future.
