Mumbai: Air India (AI) on April 27 operated two special Boeing 747 flights out of Delhi as part of contingency plan put in place following Indian Pilots Guild's (IPG) decision not to withdraw their directives on flight operations to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) affected regions.

"Under the plan, special Mumbai-Delhi-Mumbai flights would be operated to connect passengers for their onward destinations to Europe and US," an airlines spokesman said.

The AI is taking on contract six to seven retired pilots, who still hold valid licenses, to augment the strength of its executive pilots, who number around 160.

Meanwhile, the director general of civil aviation (DGCA) has permitted Air India pilots extra flying time and duty time limitations (FDTL) by one and two hours respectively as a special case in view of the present situation.

The regulatory body has told Air India that the extra flying time from nine to 10 hours and duty time from 12 to 14 hours has been allowed provided there is pro-rata increase in the rest period.

This step has immediately invited strong protest from the IPG, which said it would challenge the order in Mumbai High Court on April 28.

Stating that the DGCA order will enable AI optimum utilisation of pilots, the AI spokesman said, "This (going to the court) is understandable as all actions of IPG are aimed at disrupting the flight schedules. They must realise that AI is equally determined to foil their attempts and keep the services going."

PTI