Striking domestic Air India pilots and the government finally began talks at the civil aviation ministry here Wednesday — the strike’s eighth day. These are expected to continue Thursday, providing a glimmer of hope. Civil aviation officials said the talks would continue, while pilots were happy and said things were moving in a positive direction.
The domestic pilots are demanding wage parity with the international route pilots. Ministry officials said almost all contentious points were discussed at the meeting. There appears to be a softening of stance by the government, which held talks with the pilots though the strike is still on.
Air India, meanwhile, has chartered 16 planes from Kingfisher Airlines and two from the Gulf-based Air Arabia to operate 16 domestic and two international flights.