Mumbai:
As Jet Airways pilots continue to lock horns for the second consecutive day, there seems to be no end to the crisis. The management, however, is trying all it can to find an amicable solution to the crisis.
Concerned about the situation, Jet Airways held a press conference in Mumbai on Tuesday where the airline's Chief Operating Officer Hameed Ali said, "Striking pilots are using sick leave as an excuse. They gave us no notice of the strike. We regret the problems faced by passengers."
Ali also said that the company has formed teams to help the passengers.
"We are focussing on customer service despite disruption and have set up a crisis centre to help the passengers," he said.
He also thanked the airlines that are coming to Jet Airways' assistance and accommodating passengers in other flights.
"We thank other airlines like Spice, Indigo, Kingfisher and Air India who have come forward to help us. We have accommodated 80 per cent passengers on other flights. We also like to compliment our staff who has been working for 36 hours," Ali said.
At the same time, Ali criticised the pilots' move saying that to capitalise on sickness thereby causing disruption is not a responsible act.
"The airline is talking to the pilots. We ask them to reconsider their decision," he said.
Ali also said that the airline has asked the crewmembers to check their e-mail for the Bombay High Court order and thanked those pilots who reported for duty.
Jet Airways is appealing to pilots to think of the 40-000 strong Jet Airways family and come back to work, Ali said.
Over 200 flights were cancelled on Wednesday and 432 pilots had called in sick following the pilots' stir.