The Civil Aviation minister Ajit Singh today said Air India want's the striking pilots back, however it is for them to call off their illegal strike and return to work.

Speaking to the media after meeting the striking pilots of the national carrier who called on him in New Delhi today, the Civil Aviation Minister said, the pilots had gone on strike without notice and also reported falsely sick.

He also said, recruitment would be done if necessary. The minister said, AIR INDIA is preparing a new business plan and the mandate for the national carrier now is to fly profitable routes.

The striking pilots had earlier welcomed Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh's offer to hold talks with them. The Indian Pilots Guild (IPG) had sought an appointment with the minister to clarify issues to end the stalemate at the earliest.

The IPG letter came after the Civil Aviation minister said the government may consider reinstatement of the pilots on a case-to-case basis if they return to work.