Symbolic picture only. , Photo Credit: PTI
According to a source, “Tata Group-owned Air India has asked its cabin crew to adhere to ethics standards and warned of disciplinary action if their conduct directly affects the airline’s image.”
In a communication to its cabin crew members on 13 February, the airline’s in-flight security department has instructed them not to “involve in any act that is against the TCOC (Tata Code of Conduct)”.
A source said that the communication was issued against the backdrop of a recent incident where a wide-body aircraft pilot was allegedly caught with two iPhone 14s at the Delhi airport and was subsequently detained for (customs) duty. 2.5 lakh was asked to pay Rs. There was no immediate comment from Air India on the issue.
“We are receiving feedback that some cabin crew are carrying commercial quantities of goods on return to India from abroad, which is against customs regulation,” the airline said in the communication.
Noting that crew members are ambassadors of an airline, it said, “they must adhere to standards of ethics and adhere to TCOC as their conduct directly affects the image of the airline”. It states, “removing goods from aircraft or any other company’s premises or affiliated premises without written permission” is a violation of the TCOC.
According to the communication, security checks on arrival are planned across the network to prevent this “malpractice”.
Air India said, “All of you are hereby directed not to indulge in any act against TCOC… Any violation of the above will attract strict disciplinary action.” The Tata Group’s TCOC is a comprehensive document that provides ethical guidelines for group companies and employees. In May last year, Air India had announced the implementation of TCOC for its employees.