Air India has signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with the Indian Army to launch a new employment initiative aimed at supporting war widows and their children. The Tata Group-owned airline announced on Thursday that the program will create job opportunities through Air India SATS Airport Services Private Limited (AISATS), with a focus on long-term skill development and socio-economic empowerment for beneficiaries connected to the armed forces.
Under the agreement, Air India plans to recruit up to 20 Veer Naris, commonly referred to as "war widows," along with up to 40 children of defense personnel. Selected candidates will be considered for various airport operations roles, including customer services, load and control, and ramp operations. The airline said the initiative has been designed to help beneficiaries build sustainable careers in the aviation and airport services sector.
The program will also include vocational training aligned with industry requirements to ensure candidates are job-ready before placement. According to the airline, the training modules will focus on practical and skill-based learning, enabling participants to adapt to evolving aviation industry standards. Officials described the initiative as part of a broader effort to create meaningful employment opportunities while supporting families connected to the armed forces.
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As part of the collaboration, vocational training infrastructure will be developed at ASHA (Army Special Help Association) schools supported by the Indian Army. These institutions primarily focus on the education, therapy, and welfare of special-abled children of serving soldiers, veterans, and civilians residing in cantonment areas. Air India said vocational laboratories will initially be established in 10 ASHA schools as part of a pilot project, with plans to expand the initiative to 25 schools in total.
The vocational facilities will offer experiential learning across a range of disciplines, including photography, music, sports, performing arts, painting, beauty and wellness, hospitality, cooking, tailoring, and electrical and technical skills. Air India stated that the initiative aims to create inclusive opportunities while equipping participants with employable skills that can support financial independence and long-term career growth.
Commenting on the collaboration, P. Balaji, Group Head for Governance, Risk, Compliance, and Corporate Affairs at Air India, said the partnership reflects a shared commitment toward nation-building and empowerment. He stated that both organizations aim to strengthen skills, create dignified employment opportunities, and build a scalable model capable of delivering lasting social impact. The initiative comes at a time when companies across India are increasingly focusing on inclusive employment and community-driven welfare programs linked to defense families and veterans.
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