Theft and fraud by crews push airline towards bankruptcy

THEFT, fraud and abuse of perks by pilots and crew has set India's national carrier on course to bankruptcy, the aviation minister has claimed, with staff caught stealing whisky and caviar, and being chauffeured in limousines to five-star hotels. In eight years Air India, knownas the "Maharaja" for its turbaned cartoon mascot, has fallen from profit to an estimated $10 billion (£6.3 billion) in debt. In frustration, Ajit Singh, India's aviation minister, has said the country does not need a national carrier. Air India is investigating 161 cases of theft, fraud and abuse of perks, he told MPs. One catering officer was caught stealing caviar worth around £300, while a purser was discovered walking away with more than 370 spirit miniatures.

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