All industry pilots may forge a common front: Jet official

In the midst of the ongoing agitation by Air India executive pilots, the union of Jet Airways pilots today said there is a possibility of industry cockpit crew forging a common front.

"We don't rule out the possibility of industry pilots forming a joint body," Girish Kaushik, President of Jet Airways' pilots body, National Aviator's Guild said.

Kaushik had earlier this month led the Jet Airways' pilots struggle against the air-carrier's management for suspending two senior pilots.

He is scheduled to attend a meeting of the Air India executive pilots to decide on sending their representative for the proposed talk with the management.

Meanwhile, a striking executive pilot said, "we are holding a meeting to assess the situation and may send our representatives for the talks if it takes place today".

The national carrier today cancelled 37 of the 177 domestic flights and nine of the 21 international flights as more executive pilots reported "sick".

Air India has around 118 executive pilots.

Meanwhile, sources in the erstwhile Indian Airlines non-executive pilots body, Indian Commercial Pilots Association (ICPA) said, they are also mulling joining the ongoing agitation by the Air India executive pilots.

"We are waiting for the management to pay our salary, allowance and other dues of the last three months. If they are not paid we may also exercise the option of joining the strike," an ICPA member said.