Nov. 5, 2009 (The Hindu Business Line) --

Mumbai, Nov. 5

Jet Airways and Kingfisher Airlines are keeping an eye on excess pilot flab and indications are that a trimming exercise could be around the corner.

“Based on current requirement for cockpit crew of our Boeing (NYSE:BA) 777 fleet, we have offered 25 expatriate pilots the option of having a claim on employment while being furloughed until further notice, in case the company requires their service at a future date,” Jet said in a statement.

As for Kingfisher, speculation is rife that it is not likely to renew contracts of 100 trainee pilots. However, a spokesperson said, “We categorically deny that Kingfisher has given pink slips to any trainee co-pilots.”

Both carriers continue to pile-up losses and are saddled with large debt too. For the second quarter ended September 30, 2009, Jet’s was Rs 407 crore with Kingfisher a tad higher at Rs 419 crore.

Jet plans to save $600 million this fiscal with manpower rationalisation being one of the cost-control areas. Kingfisher, on the other hand, has returned 19 leased aircrafts over the last 10 months.

“Certain technical issues also led to grounding of aircrafts causing revenue loss and hence a negative impact on bottomline,” it said during the results.