NEW DELHI : Commercial pilots are staring at an uncertain future with idling airlines cutting their salaries and allowances to lower costs.Private carriers have also sent a large number of pilots on leave without pay, as most airlines are currently operating at just about 20-30% of their capacity.
Airlines can only operate 33% of flights on domestic routes following a government cap.GoAir has sent a large number of its pilots on leave without pay during the past couple of months, said a pilot with the airline, adding that the company has also restructured the fixed salaries of its pilots.A senior first officer or co-pilot with the airline, who was paid about ₹4.3 lakh to ₹4.5 lakh per month as gross salary, now earns ₹67,000, according to.