School of Communication & Management Studies

COURSE: Human Resource Management

Recruitment and Selection Process in Aviation Industry

Faculty: Dr. Deepa Pillai ( HOD-Department of HR) Presented by:

AKHIL PRASAD (FK- 2280) DEBSANKAR DAS (FK- 2268) NEELESH KUMAR (FK- 2286) KAUSHIK CHAKRABORTY(FK-2295) JOJI T JOSEPH(FN-175)

CONTENTS
Acknowledgement Chapter 1- Indian Aviation Industry 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 A Brief Overview Market Size Major Players in Indian Aviation Industry Contribution to Indias GDP Future challenges

Chapter 2- Recruitment and selection process in aviation industry Chapter 3- Flowchart showing Recruitment and selection process Chapter 4- Recruitment and selection process of:4.1 Kingfisher Airlines 4.2 Air India 4.3 Jet Airways 2.4 Emirates Groups Chapter 5- Analysis of Recruitment and selection Chapter 6- Conclusion

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
First and foremost we thank the Lord Almighty for the eternal love and bestowing his wonderful blessings which imparted the capability in us to complete the report in the most successful manner. We also express our sincere and heartfelt thanks to the College and the Management for giving us the opportunity to make a report on the Recruitment and Selection process in Aviation Industry. We wish to place on record our deep sense of gratitude to Dr. Deepa Pillai(HOD-Dept. of HR) for the keen interest and her valuable guidance and inspiration extended all along the preparation of the report. This report would not have turned into reality without her support. We would like to take the privilege to express our profound gratitude to all those who have been instrumental in the preparation of the report.

Indian Aviation Industry

Indian Aviation Industry A Brief Overview
The aviation industry in India is one of those sectors that saw a constant pace of growth among the other industries in the world over the past many years. The open sky policy of the government has helped a lot of overseas players entering the aviation market in India. From then, it has only been growing in terms of players and the number of aircrafts. At present, private airlines account for around 75% portion of the domestic aviation market. The 9th largest aviation market in the world is India. As per the Ministry of Civil Aviation, approximately 29.8 million passengers traveled to/from India in 2008, showing a surge of 30% from 2007. The prediction stated that international passengers will touch 50 million by 2015. More opportunities in the aviation industry in India are likely to make way for about 69 foreign airlines from 49 countries Indian aviation industry today is poised to be among the top five aviation nations in the world in the next 10 years. Currently, India is the 9th largest civil aviation market. Recent estimates suggest that domestic air traffic will touch 160-180 million passengers a year, in the next 10 years and the international traffic will exceed 80 million passengers a year". The Indian Aviation Industry is exploring opportunities to improve connectivity and is also looking at enhancing the number of Indian carriers to various countries."One of the key achievements of India in the last decade has been to set-up an independent regulator for economic regulation of airports".

Indian Aviation Industry - Market Size

In the last decade, domestic air traffic has quadrupled from 13 million to 52 million and international traffic more than tripled to 38 million. A similar trend is observed in the cargo sector. The rapidly expanding aviation sector handles 2.5 billion passengers across the world in a year; moves 45 million tonnes of cargo through 920 airlines, using 4,200 airports and deploys 27,000 aircraft. Today, 87 foreign airlines fly to and from India and five Indian carriers fly to and from 40 countries. Passengers carried by domestic airlines during Jan-Nov 2011 were 55.03 million as against 46.81 million during the corresponding period of previous year thereby registering a growth of 17.6 per cent, according to data released by Directorate General Civil Aviation (DGCA).

The air transport (including air freight) in India has attracted foreign direct investment (FDI) worth US$ 423.31 million from April 2000 to September 2011, according to the data provided by Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP). Private carriers are anticipated to post a combined profit of US$ 350 US$ 400 million for the financial year ending March 31, 2012, as per a report titled '2011-12 Aviation Industry Outlook' by Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) India. CAPA India expects domestic traffic growth of 17-18 per cent, possibly as high as 20 per cent. International passenger numbers, which grew by about 10 per cent last year, are expected to increase towards the upper end of a 10-12 per cent range over the next 12 months.

Major players in Indian Aviation Industry (as in the year 2010)

Contribution of Aviation Industry in Indias GDP

The growth in the Indian economy has increased the Gross Domestic Product above 8% and this high growth rate will be sustained for a good number of years

Air traffic has grown enormously and expected to have a growth which would be above 25% in the travel segment In the present scenario around 12 domestic airlines and above 60 international airlines are operating in India

With the growth in the economy and stability of the country India has become one of the preferred locations for the trade and commerce activities The growth of airlines traffic in Aviation Industry in India is almost four times above international average Aviation Industry in India have placed the biggest order for aircrafts globally Aviation Industry in India holds around 69% of the total share of the airlines traffic in the region of South Asia

Future challenges of Aviation industry in India

The challenges of the Indian aviation industry are cited below. Passenger traffic is estimated to grow at a CAGR of over 15% in the coming few years. The Ministry of Civil Aviation would have to handle around 280 million passengers by 2020. US$ 110 billion investment is envisaged till 2020 with US$ 80 billion solely for new aircraft and US$ 30 billion for developing the airport infrastructure.

Recruitment and Selection process in Aviation Industry

Airlines use different methods to recruit potential candidates, and the methods range from the modern to the relatively arcane. Because most airlines have a presence on the World Wide Web, applicants can usually review requirements and submit a personal resume on the airline's website; depending on the airline's technical abilities, a short online questionnaire may be required before the application will be accepted. Some airlines choose to perform a telephone interview before proceeding, and this interview may be conducted either with a live screener or an automated, interactive attendant. According to industry specialist CabinCrewJobs.com, though, the most popular recruiting is through airline job fairs, usually held at a hotel or convention center close to an airport that the company serves.

Major Job categories in aviation industry

Cargo Manager and Handler Air Traffic Controller Air hostess Flight Operator Ground Operator HR Specialist JAR Audit Inspectors Maintenance Personnel Management personnel Psychologist Captains Training Captains

First Officers Simulator Instructors Flight Engineers Sheet metal workers Licensed engineers Fitters Mechanics Planners Electricians Painters Maintenance HR specialist

Flow chart showing recruitment and selection process in Aviation industry

Kingfisher Airlines

Recruitment and Selection process:Minimum Qualification and Age Requirements *Should have passed the 10+2 examination with Physics and Mathematics. Science/Engineering Graduates will be preferred. 1. Minimum 19 years 2. Maximum 29 years Physical & Medical Requirements The required minimum fitness standards entail: 1. Acceptable physical appearance 2. Should meet DGCA Class II requirements prior to commencement of ground school and should meet DGCA Class I standard before application for Indian license. 3. Weight appropriate to height 4. Body Mass Index (BMI) should be within acceptable limits United Aviation arranges a thorough Class 2 medical examination for its students and provides necessary guidance for the Class 1 Medical. Language Skills Communicate well in English, both written & spoken The Selection Process Candidates desirous of applying for the Kingfisher Cadet Pilot programme are required to fill in the attached Registration Form for the Aptitude Test after downloading it. The Application Form is required to be submitted online as per instructions contained in the Form. A copy of the Form is also required to be sent by post to United Aviation at the address given in the Form along with a bank draft of Rs 10,112 (Rs 9000/- towards cost of the Aptitude Test and Service Tax Rs 1112/-). On receipt of the Application Form and the bank draft, the same will be scrutinized and the eligibility or otherwise will be confirmed to the candidate by email or on telephone. On receipt of the confirmation, the candidate is required to undergo the selection procedure commencing with the Aptitude Test. Selection Phase I: Written Test. The written test is conducted on all Mondays and Wednesdays except on closed holidays at the United Aviation corporate headquarters at Gurgaon. Candidates are expected to arrive at United Aviation for the test by 0900 hours. Candidates are advised to intimate the date they wish to take the test to United Aviation prior to their arrival for the test. The test duration is

about 3 hours and 30 minutes, and consists of: Physics Test 20 questions Mathematics Test 20 questions Psychological Test The syllabus for the Physics and Mathematics Test is given below. Syllabus for Mathematics Written Test Reference Book: Any Secondary Education course book for students covering the under mentioned topics. Topics: 1. Linear equations 2. Polynomials 3. Quadratic equations 4. Solving algebraic inequalities 5. Roots simplification 6. Differential equation 7. Integral and derivate 8. Function analysis 9. Trigonometry 10. Exponential 11. Basics of complex numbers 12. Basics of probability and statistics Examples of Questions: 1) Find the derivate of f(x) = sin (2x+3) 2) Draw the graph representing the function (X+2)(X-3) 3) Resolve and simplify 2+i / -2+2i Syllabus for Physics Written Test Reference Book: Any Secondary Education course book for students having 2 or 3 hours of Physics per week. Topics: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Basic Physics sizes (length, mass, angle, t, volume, speed, acceleration) Units (meter, kilogram, second, amps) Distance traveled, speed, acceleration Weight, mass, density and volume Newtons laws, inertia, forces

6. Determination of center of gravity 7. Work, energy, power (kinetic energy, pressure energy) 8. Thermometric scales: C, F, K 9. Pressure, density, t of a liquid or a gas 10. Perfect gas laws, Boyle-Mariotte law, Gay-Lussac law, Daltons law 11. Change of state of a liquid/gas/solid 12. Basics of electricity: DC and AC, tension, equivalent resistance, Ohm 13. Basics of magnetism: magnetic field, permanent magnet, lines of flux

Examples of Questions: 1. A quantity of gas (p = 3 x 105 Pa, T=300K) is compressed until the half of its initial volume and is heated to 70C. What is the final gas pressure? (Answer: P2= 6, 86 105Pa) 2. Determine the weight (in Newton) of a sphere that has a volume of 1,1 10-7 m and a density of 2,7 kg/dm (gravitation acceleration: 9.81m/s) (Answer: 2, 91x10-3) 3. 3 resistances of 5 are placed in parallel. Find the value of a unique equivalent resistance. (Answer: 1.67) Note: A candidate is permitted to take a retest after one month if he/she does not qualify in either Physics or Mathematics at no extra cost. Selection Phase II: English and Compass Test. English Test: computer-based, lasting one hour. A computer based COMPASS TEST that consists of seven tests which have been developed to check some of the key aptitude areas for a professional pilot. No previous flying experience is required to perform well in the tests. The duration of the test is 2hours and 30 minutes. The seven tests are as follows: Control: a compensation task looking at basic hand/ foot/eye co-ordination. Slalom: a tracking task looking at hand/eye co-ordination. Mathematics: a test of basic applied mathematical understanding and speed. Memory: Accuracy of short-term memory recall and ability tochunk information Task Manager: A test of the candidates ability to scan the screen and manage concurrent tasks accurately and quickly. Orientation: Instrument interpretation, comprehension and spatial orientation Technical test Note: A candidate who does not qualify in the test may be permitted to take retest only in one test if appearing in such retest would help him in qualifying. The retest will be held on the same day of his taking the test. Candidates not qualifying in the Compass Test are permitted to take a full retest after three months on payment afresh of a fee of Rs 4000/-. At the time of taking the

full retest of the Compass Test, the validity of the original Written Test taken by the candidate earlier, is six months from the date of appearing in the original Written Test. Selection Phase III Personal Interview at United Aviation Selection Phase IV Personal interview with Kingfisher Airlines at Mumbai All candidates will go through the Selection Phase I and Phase II process. Successful candidates of Phases I and II only will appear thereafter for Phase III. Only candidates selected in Phase III will appear for Phase IV. Phase I will be held on the first day (all Mondays and Wednesdays except closed holidays of United Aviation). The result of the written test will be displayed at United Aviation the next day. The date for Phase II will be intimated to the candidates and also displayed at United Aviation. For convenience of outstation candidates, United Aviation will give preference to them for appearing in Phase II. Dates for Phases III and IV will be intimated to the concerned candidates by United Aviation.

COMMENCEMENT OF TRAINING PHASE 1 Ground School. Candidates selected by Kingfisher Airlines in Phase IV will be required to undergo twelve weeks of ground school training consisting of 400 hours of contact periods at United Aviation, prior to proceeding for flight training to Sabena Airline Training Centre at Arizona, USA. United Aviation has a team of highly experienced trainers, the best in the industry, who are recognized experts in each of the subjects covered. Training is conducted Monday to Friday, 8 AM till 4 PM and consists of the following subjects: Air Regulations Aircraft General Knowledge Flight Performance and Planning Human Performance and Limitations Meteorology Navigation Operational Procedures Principles of Flight Radio Telephony

PHASE 2 Flight Training. The students after ground school are given full assistance by United Aviation in their preparation for proceeding for flight training to Sabena Airline Training Centre at Arizona, USA, which takes approximately 33 weeks. This includes assistance towards obtaining a visa for the US, loan assistance and other related issues. PHASE 3 Refresher Course and License Conversion. On return from flight training, United Aviation helps the cadet pilots prepare for the DGCA written test for issue of CPL through a specially designed Refresher Course. United Aviation also provides full assistance to students in conversion of their FAA license issued in the US to an Indian Commercial Pilots License including taking flight checks, if required. On conversion of their FAA license to an Indian CPL, the cadet pilots will be required to report to Kingfisher Airlines.

Air India
Recruitment and Selection process:-

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR FLIGHT ATTENDANT

i. Graduate in any discipline (minimum three years duration) from a recognized University OR Ex-Servicemen who have acquired the Qualification equivalent to Graduation in the Armed Forces and have a service record of Graduation in the Armed Forces and have a service record of minimum 15 years in the Armed Forces, not below the rank of Junior Commissioned Officer or its Services, who had been discharged from service during the preceding two years OR 5 years in the Armed Forces, not below the rank of Captain or its equivalent in the other wings of Services, who had been discharged from service during the preceding two years. ii. Height: Not below 165 Cms. for male and 153 Cms. for female candidates.(Relaxation in height of 2.5 cms to SC/ST Candidates and candidates from North Eastern Region) iii Preferable : i) NCC C Certificate ii) One year experience in the related area. iii) Diploma / Certificate in Computer Application

SELECTION PROCEDURE :
Applicants walking in, will have to undergo a Physical Endurance Test (PET) running of 100 meters or 1000 meters in 16 seconds or 4.5 minutes respectively, as opted by the candidate, on the same day / following day(s). (In their own interest, candidates should come prepared for the Physical Endurance Test with a tracksuit /pair of shorts and running shoes, etc. ) Those who qualify in the PET will have to appear for Report Writing on the same day / following day(s). Those who qualify in the Report Writing will have to appear for Personal Interview(s) on the same day / following day(s).

4. LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY: Should be fluent in Hindi, English & local language. 5. UPPER AGE LIMIT: (As on 1st May, 2010)
General 25 years, OBC 28 Years, SC/ST 30 Years. Relaxation in Age for Ex-Servicemen as per Government guidelines, for all the above positions.

Jet Airways
Recruitment and Selection process:-

The recruitment and selection process consists of six clear stages as outlined below: Stage 1 Advertising and application Advertising in major newspapers in each location being advertised, our website and online. Stage 2 Online testing and/or telephone interview and/or face-to-face interview Stage 3 Assessment Centre The assessment centre will consist of: physical testing functional testing shuttle run (required level of 9.6) supervised aptitude testing team work exercise Interview. Stage 4 Referee checks Stage 5 Offer of employment Stage 6 Medical Training Successful applicants will receive ten weeks of intensive training. Successful applicants can expect a long, rewarding and successful career.

Emirates Groups
Recruitment and Selection process:-

Online selection process All applicants who apply online for a First Officer position with Emirates will receive immediate acknowledgement of your application. Applications will be reviewed and selected applicants will be contacted for an interview based on professional background, experience and suitability. The First Officer Selection Programme Shortlisted candidates are provided with a round trip ticket from any Emirates destination, and invited to attend a four day selection process in Dubai. This programme is designed to provide you with an opportunity to experience both Emirates and Dubai. This allows candidates to identify and overcome any issues that may pose an obstacle to joining our team as well as ask questions about life as a professional pilot with Emirates in Dubai. Where applicable, we encourage spouses to accompany candidates to Dubai for the Selection Programme, to ensure that this lifestyle decision suits both the individual and the entire family. The two-stage selection programme generally follows a fixed format Day 1: Stage 1 - Welcome brief / Simulator brief - Simulator Assessment (basic flying skills, flight deck management and airmanship) - Advanced Compass Test (comprehensive skills and aptitude) Candidates will be notified at the end of the day if they have been successful in this first step of the assessment.

Day 2: (Stage 1 continues) - Psychometric testing - HR brief (important information relating to terms, conditions and the process of joining Emirates) - Guided tour of accommodation (apartment and villa); the Emirates Medical Clinic and an international school Day 3: Stage 2 - Assessment Centre exercises - Panel interview - Feedback from company psychologist on psychometric profile Candidates will be notified at the end of the day if they have been successful during the last steps of the assessment. All chosen candidates will thereafter be required to complete a medical test. Arrangements Candidates are required to arrive in Dubai with adequate time so that they are well-rested prior to the commencement of the programme.

We handle all travel arrangements, visit visas and costs associated with flying candidates into Dubai on the Emirates network, for participation in the Selection Programme. We also bear the cost of accommodation and meals during your stay in Dubai. Should your spouse wish to accompany you on this trip, please remember to make private arrangements for her/him. Candidates will be advised of the final outcome of the Selection Programme within two to six weeks folioing the interview. Reminders Come prepared. It is important to have all necessary documentation including photocopies of your passport, logbooks, certificates etc. ready and available on request, so please ensure that your papers are updated and in order. Be yourself. We are interested in getting to know the real you and not the person you think we want to see. Be open. We are aware that there is information in the industry about our procedures and processes; all of which may not be accurate or relevant. We change our programmes regularly and recommend that you engage in the selection process with an open mind without preconceived ideas or over prepared responses.

Analysis of Recruitment & Selection

The selection of pilots historically had been based almost exclusively on flying skills. The aviation community is now placing increasingly greater emphasis on a pilots potential to work

well in a crew situation. Research on the process used by British Airways to select pilots, suggests the task of the current generation of managers in the airline business, (Lowe, 1995) as beginning with the selection and continued grooming of professional commercial pilots. Interpersonal skills, and not just technical skills, are slowly becoming viewed as critical success factors for pilot performance and safety. In another study by Goeters (1995), it was found that nearly half of the problem cases in a study of 193 pilots were rooted in difficulties with interpersonal skills. In other words, measures of interpersonal skills/aptitudes were good predictors of whether or not a pilot became a problem case (Monfries and Moore, 1996). Carriers and the aviation community as a whole are becoming increasingly aware of the need for pilots to be competent in crew resource management skills and that successful completion of a flight or mission requires not only flying skills but the ability to work well in a crew situation. The airline industry is not only short of skilled pilots, but of quality frontline people as well. The problem is described and quantified in an article in Airline Business (1998), as follows: Like other service companies, airlines are finding it increasingly difficult to attract, retain, and afford quality frontline people. The supply of quality service sector people is decreasing as a result of the end of the baby boom, a lessening service ethic among young people, and a shrinking supply of pilots as countries downsize their air forces. At the same time demand is increasing as the service sector grows to an increasing percentage of the world economy and more companies realize the potential higher returns from improved service. According to Southwests V-P of the People Department, Libby Sartain, the key to recruitment and selection for frontline positions is to hire for attitude, not skills (Ellis, 2001, p. 48), If we hire people who dont have the right attitude, disposition and behavioral characteristics to fit into our culture, we will start to change that culture. The recruiters primary role is to make sure its a good cultural fit Each year, Southwests 90,000 applicants go through an application process that includes a personality test as well as interviews by a recruiter, the candidates potential supervisor and a peer employee. Southwest hires for attitudes and trains people for specific skills because of the belief that skills can be taught but attitudes cannot be changed. Part of the interview process involves testing for a sense of humor, ability to work with others, and friendliness Atlas Air Inc., a Boeing 747 cargo aircraft operator with headquarters in Golden, Colorado, understands the importance of hiring for flexibility as a key factor in its low-cost operating success. Atlas has achieved high growth rates without accidents and at lower incremental personnel costs than many established international airlines and cargo carriers largely because of the scheduling flexibility and high productivity of its flight crew workers. One reason for this flexibility may be found in what appears to be the companys practice of hiring young crewmembers motivated by the prospect of flying a Boeing 747 aircraftthe envy of many pilots.

Conclusion

One of the most critical and high expertise demanding industry, Airline or Aviation sector is witnessing a surge of increasing interest and awareness. With global liberalization and opening up of sector for private players, the industry has gained momentum. This has contributed to a significant rise in the employee base in the airline industry and the industry is in need of a growing number of employees. Increasingly, more and more airlines are beginning to recognize the real cost of poor selection of candidate. Clients are avoiding the mistakes of hiring the unsuitable candidate (which results in high staff turnover with the consequential costs wasted time, money, disruption and absent resources) and are hence now consulting the pool of psychologists and selection specialists to assist them with sourcing of a key executive or to conduct large scale recruitment campaigns. Over the years specialists have developed sophisticated systems and models for the assessment of candidates for various positions in cabin crew, flight crew, ground crew etc, in various recruitment phases.