AI set to open talks with agitators

Even as Air India's domestic operations remained crippled today with the pilots continuing their strike for the eighth day, informal efforts are reportedly on to initiate talks with the agitators.
The pilots, however, said they were yet to get any formal intimation about the talks, though Air India management claimed they were ready to hold discussions soon to resolve the crisis.
It is learnt that some "feelers" have been sent to the pilots since last night and the agitators have responded positively.
The ailing national airline operated 15 per cent or about 40 of its 320 scheduled daily domestic flights, including 10 each from Mumbai and Delhi.
Air India, which has sacked seven pilots and suspended six others, is suffering an estimated operational loss of Rs 26 crore per day on account of the stir. The management has also decided not to process the April salaries of the agitators till further instructions.