New Delhi: The troubles just don't seem to end for Air India. The airline has now been summoned by a US court in a multi-million dollar lawsuit for allegedly violating safety norms habitually.
The case was filed by Anthony Keyter, formerly a pilot with the Boeing company. Keyter was posted in India for two-and-a-half months in 2005 as part of the Boeing team's programme to train Air India pilots after it placed a business deal of more than US $11 billion.
The law suit charges that there were habitual violations of the aviation laws by Air India, which affected flight safety. Keyter also alleged that he was harrassed and he now seeks restitution from Air India.
His law suit reads: "These violations occurred at the behest of Air India's operational management and many of them with the full knowledge and sanction of V Thulasidas, Chairman and Managing Director of Air India at that time."
COST-CUTTING
Aviation Minister Praful Patel is meeting Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday evening to discuss the bailout package for Air India.
Air India is asking for a bailout money between Rs 12,000 to Rs 14,000 crore. The money could come in parts as a Government equity infusion, a soft loan or a one-time grant.
On its part, the cash-starved carrier is looking at cutting wage bill by over Rs 500 crore from the Rs 31,000 crore it pays to its employees per year.
It could also consider VRS and cut excess staff, rationalise routes and lease some of its prime properties.
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