ICPA threatens pilot boycott on Kathmandu services
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Air India flight to Kathmandu may face some disruption after the Indian Airlines pilots’ union instructed members to stop operating flights to the Nepalese capital until certain operational issues are resolved. The Indian Commercial Pilots’ Association (ICPA), which issued a similar order for Kabul last week, insists that pilots require specific training before flying to these destinations as a result of procedural adjustments. Reported by TOI, the ICPA directive said the runway approach and go-around for Nepal capital has been changed and ”in the interest of flight safety, all members are directed not to undertake any flights to Kathmandu till such time the training for the same is provided by the company.” As the union’s strike notice draws near, its relationship with Air India management appears increasingly fragile. The ICPA also openly criticised the airline’s decision to load Mumbai-bound flights with an additional 1.5 tonnes of fuel. Quoted in TOI, the ICPA letter to the management read; ”As per the operations manual which clearly states that ‘an additional carriage of fuel results in extra fuel consumption from 15% to 30% and hence result in increase in the cost of operation of each flight into Mumbai. It is requested an immediate inquiry be initiated in this matter…”
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