The government has asserted that the striking Air India pilots should first report for duty and then come for talks. Taking a tough stand, Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh today reassured that government is ready to talk on anything after that.

The minister also asked the striking Air India pilots to apologise to passengers. He reminded the pilots that Air India is almost bankrupt and public money is being pumped in to revive the national carrier.

The minister said the process of revival is bound to see many problems and asked the airline employees to be patient. He said, pilots should firmly say their views but not inconvenience the passengers and make Air India lose credibility.

Ajit Singh said the government is mulling taking some aircraft on wet lease, as in such cases the planes come with a crew. He said that the government is also in touch with some retired pilots besides rationalising the flights operated by Air India.