Civil aviation minister Ajit Singh said that he would consider downsizing the airlines if the agitation continues. On the pilots' demands, Singh said, "There are other demands instead of 10 years, they should get promotions in six years. In fact they get promotions much earlier than six years. Ten years is if they don't get promotions....That problem is not there really. So they could have waited until all these things get discussed. Even now if they want they discuss with Air India management, they should have come to me. I am open to discussions.

Asked when Air India can come back on track, he said, "Lets hope..but to get back from there it will take long time and lot of patience by the employees."

A meeting between the agitating pilots and the management before the Central labour commissioner is slated to be held later today. They had an inconclusive round of talks yesterday.