These pilots have completed their probation and all endorsements, but the company has decided not to renew their service contracts in view of the huge losses and capacity reduction, sources said.

Their contracts would not be renewed as and when they expire and hence the job cuts would be carried out in a phased manner, they said.

The pilots, who are planned to be phased out, belong to both Kingfisher and the erstwhile Air Deccan, the sources said, adding that they were grounded last year after the merger.

When contacted, a Kingfisher spokesperson denied "sacking" of any pilot. Such measures are "however inevitable due to the market conditions," a company official said.