Vistara Pilots’ Salary Changes After Merger with Air India.

Vistara Pilots’ Salaries Before the MergerUnder Vistara’s previous pay scale, pilots’ salaries were largely based on their rank and the guaranteed flying hours. Here’s a look at the pay for Vistara pilots before the merger, based on the 70-hour minimum flying hours:

Junior First Officer: ₹2,00,000 INR per monthFirst Officer: ₹3,20,000 INR per monthSenior First Officer: ₹4,00,000–₹4,20,000 INR per month

For Captains, the pay varied depending on experience and seniority:

Entry-Level Captain: ₹7,00,000 to ₹10,00,000 INR per monthSenior Captain: ₹9,00,000 to ₹13,00,000 INR per monthHighly Experienced Captain: Over ₹15,00,000 INR per month

It’s important to note that these figures are gross monthly salaries and are subject to taxation, meaning the in-hand salary would be lower once taxes are deducted.Impact of the Merger on Pilot SalariesWith the merger of Vistara and Air India, pilots are now bracing for changes in the compensation structure. While there is no official confirmation of the exact salary structure post-merger, industry experts speculate that there could be a standardization of pay scales to align with Air India’s existing salary framework.Air India pilots, like those of Vistara, have long been accustomed to a similar tiered pay structure based on experience and flying hours. However, with the new reduced minimum flying hours of just 40 hours a month for all crew members (as per the February pay structure), many pilots worry that their overall income could be negatively impacted. The cut in guaranteed hours has led to concerns about a significant reduction in monthly earnings for those who previously depended on higher flying hours to achieve their target salaries.What Pilots Are SayingMany pilots have expressed dissatisfaction with the new pay structure, feeling that it doesn’t accurately reflect their skills and experience. The reduction in guaranteed hours could make it more difficult for some First Officers and Senior First Officers to meet their expected earnings, especially those who had been relying on the 70-hour minimum to supplement their base pay.There is also the question of seniority and how the unified airline will handle promotions and rank distinctions between pilots from Vistara and Air India. Will the new airline offer a combined seniority list, or will pilots be segregated based on their previous airlines? These are questions that pilots are hoping will be addressed in the coming months as the merger takes shape.Looking Ahead: The Future of Vistara PilotsThe post-merger pay structure for pilots will largely depend on how Air India integrates Vistara’s operations, including the salaries and benefits of its pilots. Given that the new airline will likely aim for operational efficiency, it’s possible that there will be adjustments to ensure uniformity across the workforce.While the changes are set to take place as part of the merger, pilots are hopeful that their concerns will be addressed, either through pay adjustments or the introduction of new incentive programs to make up for the reduction in flying hours.As the date for the merger draws closer, many Vistara pilots will be watching closely to see how their careers—and their salaries—are affected by the new organizational structure. The merger presents an opportunity for Vistara’s pilots to be part of a larger, more global carrier, but it also raises questions about the long-term stability and sustainability of their compensation packages. With the aviation industry constantly evolving, pilots will need to adapt to new realities, but for now, many are hoping for clarity and fairness as the transition unfolds.