As the Air India strike entered its 45th day, Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh today restated his willingness to take back sacked pilots provided they call off their agitation unconditionally and return to work. Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Mr. Singh said that pilots can be taken back on a case-to-case basis if they call off the strike and come to the negotiation table.

When asked about the letter written by the Air India’s executive pilots stating that they were stressed because of the strike, Mr. Singh declined to comment saying that what he had got was an unsigned letter from some pilots.

On the question of hiring new pilots, Mr. Singh said the Air India management will take a call on many commanders they need and then proceed accordingly.

About 400 Air India pilots under the banner of the Indian Pilots Guild are agitating due to the rescheduling of Boeing 787 Dreamliner training and matters relating to their career progression.