Air India, the national carrier of India, has introduced revamped policies to support its women employees under its ‘MOMS – Returning Mothers Programme’. The new policies will be effective from April 1, 2023, and will provide various benefits such as maternity leave, daycare support, nutrition guidance, and counselling sessions to help women address their mental well-being, prepare for childbirth and return to work.

The airline will now provide 26 weeks of maternity leave to women employees, including commissioning and adopting mothers, which is an increase from the previous 12 weeks of maternity leave. This extended maternity leave is an important step to help new mothers balance their personal and professional lives. A commissioning mother refers to one who commissions a surrogate mother to bear a child on her behalf, while an adopting mother is one who legally adopts a child. Air India’s policy is inclusive and recognizes all types of motherhood.

Moreover, women pilots will now have the choice to opt for quicker turnaround flights until their child reaches the age of one year. This option will be subject to request and availability. This flexibility in scheduling will help women pilots balance their work and family responsibilities, which is crucial for career advancement.

The airline has also introduced a daycare support system on a co-pay model. Women employees can avail of this facility to ensure their children’s well-being while they are at work. This benefit will make it easier for new mothers to return to work without worrying about their children’s safety and care.

Air India has recognized the importance of mental well-being for expectant and new mothers. The airline has introduced counselling sessions to address the mental well-being of expectant mothers and help them prepare for childbirth. Additionally, the sessions will help women employees plan their return to work.

The airline’s ‘MOMS – Returning Mothers Programme’ is a progressive step towards promoting gender equality and inclusivity in the workplace. With over 5,000 women employees, which accounts for around 40% of the total headcount of nearly 11,000 people, Air India has recognized the importance of supporting and retaining its women employees. These revamped policies will go a long way in ensuring that the airline’s women employees are provided with a supportive and inclusive work environment.