“Short-service commission for five years for youths will be more attractive than joining private companies,” Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief in Eastern Air Command Air Marshal S K Bhan told mediapersons on the eve of a placement fair for retired air-warriors in Barrackpore.

Infrastructure development in Tezpur, Purnia, Chabua, Hasimara, Panagarh airbases would be completed by 2011 to induct more combat aircraft, he said.

He said the shortage of officers was a matter of concern. “We hope the recommendations to the Sixth Pay Commission by us would be able to attract young talent to the IAF.”

Speaking about the placement fair he said retired personnel with experience of 22 years, who were no longer able to fly fighter aircraft, could join private airlines.

Airline companies like Pawan Hans and Air India had signed MoU with the IAF for recruiting retired pilots and engineers after retirement.

Twenty-three private companies from the field of aviation, small gadgets manufacturing, security, health and insurance have registered to select 2500 retired personnel in the two-day fair starting here tomorrow.