Kingfisher gets tough on non-performing employees

Vijay Mallya-promoted Kingfisher Airlines is understood to have come down heavily on non-performing employees, even as a large number of its pilots are leaving the airline to join low-cost carrier Indigo and other rivals.

According to industry sources, the airline had sacked about five maintenance engineers on the ground of performance four weeks ago. Besides, a lady maintenance engineer in Delhi was also given the pink slip today.

When contacted, a Kingfisher Airlines spokesperson said as part of an ongoing performance review process, employees from all functions undergo routine performance appraisal exercise.

"Those who consistently fail to meet minimum acceptable performance standards of the company are offered three months window to look for alternate career options," he said without specifying further details.

Sources also said Kingfisher has lost quite a significant number of its pilots to low-cost carrier Indigo, but the exact number could not be ascertained.

"Too much is being read into the normal attrition rate," the spokesperson said without disclosing the number of pilots who have left the airline in the recent past.

Indigo officials could not be reached for comments.

Sources added the carrier has grounded at least 10 aircraft for repair and maintenance.

Kingfisher currently has a debt of Rs 6,000 crore and is planning to raise about $175 million before March next year.