UNI

Bangalore, Feb 9: Shortage of pilots has been bothering Indian carriers for a long time.

But Air India (AI) seems to have found out a quick fix solution.

The Maharaja is now visiting colleges, picking up science students.

After a quick pilot aptitude test, the national carrier will offer them training abroad. When they get back, they will be required to join AI.

The airline is also arranging bank loans for them which will later be adjusted from their salary. In fact, their salaries will be equivalent to jobs post-MBA.

"The selection process for first batch is on," said AI's chairman and managing director Vasudevan Thulasidas.

The airline is in the process of being merged with its domestic counterpart Indian. After the merger, the fleet size of the combined entity will be over 120 planes.

AI officials say it will need at least 500 more pilots over the next three years. Rampant poaching in the industry, however, remain a fear.