Kingfisher Airlines crisis continues as talks between management, employees fail

New Delhi: The deadlock between the Kingfisher Airlines management and its pilots and engineers continues as talks failed between them. A representative of the striking Kingfisher engineers and pilots said the strike will continue as the management has failed to give any commitment on payment of salaries.

This came even as Kingfisher CEO Sanjay Agarwal met the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and promised to restart operations by Friday. But for that to happen, employees who've gone without salaries for over seven months will need to be paid.

Kingfisher had on Tuesday said it was confident that the Income Tax department will defreeze its accounts, releasing Rs 60 crore to tide over the current crisis. But this will cover just part of the dues. Agarwal said, "We will take a call on resumption of services on the October 4."

The employees said the strike will continue as the management has failed to give any commitment on payment of salaries.

Meanwhile, the DGCA insists safety is paramount. Kingfisher will not be allowed to start operations until all safety norms are met and its engineers certify aircraft are fit for operations. The airline will have to submit a new schedule and provide a sustainable operations plan.

Aviation Minister Ajit Singh said, "Passengers' safety can not be compromised."

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