Air India’s CEO, Campbell Wilson, announced on Monday that the airline would temporarily reduce the frequency of flights on certain US routes due to crew shortage issues. Wilson also stated that the airline will have 100 pilots for Boeing 777 planes in the next three months, as they are being “activated,” and around 1,400 cabin crew are currently in training. In recent months, there have been instances of some long haul flights getting impacted due to crew shortage issues.

Wilson, who is the CEO and MD, acknowledged that frequencies would be reduced on some US routes due to crew shortage issues. The airline has a staff strength of around 11,000 people, including flying and non-flying employees. “There is a lot happening,” he said, adding that the airline is shrinking and growing now.

He made these comments during his speech at the CAPA India Summit in the national capital. The Tata Group took control of loss-making Air India along with Air India Express and a 50% stake in AIATSL in January 2022.

Air India has put in place a road map under Vihaan.AI for transformation over a five-year period and has taken various measures, including committing USD 400 million to refurbish the interiors of its entire wide-body fleet. Last month, the airline announced placing orders for 470 aircraft from Airbus and Boeing, including 70 wide-body planes. Out of the total, 250 will be from Airbus and 220 from Boeing. There is also an option to purchase additional 370 aircraft from the two plane makers.

Besides, the merger of AirAsia India, rebranded as AIX Connect, with Air India Express, as well as the merger of Vistara with Air India, have been initiated. These moves are part of the airline’s larger transformation plan, which aims to make Air India profitable and competitive in the long run.

Despite the current crew shortage issues, Air India is making strategic investments and plans to expand its fleet significantly in the coming years. The airline’s Vihaan.AI transformation plan is aimed at improving its overall operations and customer experience, which is crucial for its success in the highly competitive airline industry.