Air India lays off Over 180 non-flying staff as part of restructuring

While Air India did not reveal the precise number of laid-off crew, the sources said it was a little over 180 legacy workers.

In recent weeks, Air India has made significant changes to its workforce, reportedly laying off over 180 non-flying staff members. The airline clarified that these individuals were unable to take advantage of voluntary retirement schemes (VRS) and reskilling opportunities provided by the company.

Efforts to Streamline Business Model

Since the Tata Group took over Air India in January 2022, efforts have been underway to streamline the airline’s business model. The layoffs are part of this broader effort to optimize operations and improve efficiency.

Fitment Process and Organizational Needs

According to an Air India spokesperson, the layoffs are a result of a fitment process where employees are assigned roles based on organizational needs and individual merit. 

The company emphasized that a comprehensive assessment process has been in place over the past 18 months to evaluate employee suitability.

Voluntary Retirement Schemes and Reskilling Opportunities

Despite offering multiple voluntary retirement schemes and reskilling opportunities to employees, less than 1 percent of the workforce was unable to benefit from these initiatives. As a result, Air India had to part ways with these individuals while honoring all contractual obligations.

Also read: IndiGo expands codeshare partnership with Qantas Airways

Transformational Initiative Vihaan.AI

Air India highlighted its multi-year transformational initiative, Vihaan.AI, aimed at building a more agile and effective organizational structure. This restructuring aligns with the company’s business model and supports its expansion plans and ambitions.

Conclusion

While the exact number of layoffs was not disclosed by the airline, the move underscores Air India’s commitment to streamlining operations and optimizing its workforce. 

As the company continues its transformation journey under the Tata Group, such measures are essential for enhancing competitiveness and ensuring long-term sustainability.