Crew pilfering whisky and caviar 'driving Air India bankrupt'

[SeatBackForward]

Crew pilfering whisky and caviar 'driving Air India bankrupt'

India's aviation minister claims some staff have been costing Air India millions through theft, fraud and abuse of perks

Theft, fraud and abuse of perks by pilots and crew has set India's national carrier on course to bankruptcy, the aviation minister has claimed, with staff caught stealing whisky and caviar, and being chauffeured in limousines to five-star hotels.

In eight years Air India, known as the "Maharaja" for its turbaned cartoon mascot, has fallen from profit to an estimated $A10 billion in debt. In frustration, Ajit Singh, India's aviation minister, has said the country does not need a national carrier.

Air India is investigating 161 cases of theft, fraud and abuse of perks, Mr Singh told MPs on Wednesday.
Advertisement: Story continues below

One catering officer was caught stealing caviar worth around $500, while a purser was discovered walking away with more than 370 spirit miniatures.

Air India's internal vigilance department found that one pilot had been paid more than $A400,000 in allowances for simulator training while he was off work on sick leave.

Article:Crew pilfering whisky and caviar 'driving Air India bankrupt'