100 Air India pilots tapped for Scoot roles days before AI-171 crash

Just days before the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI-171, Singapore Airlines (SIA) rolled out a plan to deepen ties with India’s national carrier — this time, through its low-cost carrier Scoot.

Indian media reported that SIA had invited over 100 Air India pilots — captains and first officers — to apply for “temporary deputation roles” at Scoot, its Singapore-based budget airline.

The roles, lasting one to two years, allow Air India pilots to gain exposure to international operations and Embraer-type training, while enabling Scoot to fill pilot shortages.

The initiative offers pilots a one- to two-year voluntary assignment, where they would receive training and fly Embraer jets — aircraft not currently part of Air India’s fleet. 

The move is seen as a way to expose Indian pilots to international operations and help Scoot fill pilot shortages as demand climbs post-pandemic.

The move was first published by Hindu BusinessLine on June 8, 2025, and has since been confirmed by both Air India and Singapore Airlines.

Campbell Wilson, CEO and managing director of Air India, was quoted as saying the move was a “win-win”, and would help broaden the pilots’ experience while addressing Scoot’s operational needs.

Wilson assumed his Air India role on July 25, 2022.

Just four days after the deputation plan was made public, tragedy struck.

On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI-171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, bound for London Gatwick.

Aboard were 230 passengers and 12 crew. Around 13:39 IST (08:09 GMT), a chilling Mayday call was received, reportedly indicating “loss of thrust” in both engines. 

Moments later, the plane plunged into the B.J. Medical College hostel, killing 241 on board and at least 28 on the ground. 

The disaster has prompted a full investigation by aviation authorities. Preliminary speculation includes dual engine failure and fuel contamination, but no cause has yet been confirmed.

SIA’s investment in Air India aligns with its multi-hub strategy, giving the airline a firm foothold in one of the fastest-growing aviation markets.

The partnership enhances its reach in South Asia while enabling it to compete more effectively with regional rivals like Malaysia Airlines, Thai Airways, and Qantas on popular routes to Australia, Bali, and New Zealand.

In FY 2024 — 25 alone, SIA flew over 2.4 million passengers to and from India — 65% of whom either connected via Singapore or flew direct.

SIA Group also emphasised that senior executives from Singapore — Basil Kwauk and Hamish Maxwell — are playing key advisory roles in Air India’s turnaround. 

Joint training and knowledge-sharing programs are ongoing.

“SIA will continue to engage with the Tata Group and Air India in areas of mutual benefit,” the company said in a statement, “while adhering to regulatory guidelines.”

Crash probe

As the crash investigation unfolds, SIA and Air India’s deepening collaboration will face fresh scrutiny. 

Yet the deputation initiative — aimed at resource optimisation, talent development and global exposure — shows how interconnected today’s aviation players have become.