Tag: Indian Airlines

  • Pilots do not want Air India to fly for long it seems

    What’s with the pilots of Air India? They go on strike, refuse to let ex-Indian Airlines pilots to train on 777 Dreamliner, ground staff issues, lack of cost saving measures etc. have plagued the troubled carrier. An INR 30,000 crore infusion of equity from Government of India is by no means a small amount! And before you forget, that is the money we pay in taxes. We slog harder to make more money, only to pay more taxes.

    Air India – flagship, in doldrums
    Air India – flagship, in doldrums

    Now the latest in the never-ending saga of turbulence in Air India is another Union, that of ex-Indian Airlines pilots. AI or Air India, has tried to revive itself step by step. This time, it is because of new flying rules for its Airbus fleet (many from its Indian days) which helps in saving fuel.

    The airline recently modified its acceleration altitude while taking off for their Airbus fleet. This is a method followed by many of its international competitors of repute. But the Indian Commercial Pilots Association (ICPA) has instructed its members not to follow the new flying rules, citing safety concerns.

    Well safety has to be most important of all, but to cry over a proven method is a bit uncalled for. Another thought around this action also calls for pilot’s inability to adapt to newer generation of its planes. Officials recount that if they fly newer generation aircraft in old generation way, what is the point?

    Please get the airline back to its glory, anyone?

    You can read my other posts related to Air India

  • Air India and its never ending woes

    Air India has everything it possibly can, except for productivity. Majority of the airline work force are working like typical babus who work from 9 to 5 with more than 180 off days in a year.

    The recent cash crush is caused by inefficient management of resources and underling assets that are not utilized. There were question raised on why does not sell 25% of the stake to a Private company so that Air India can clean up the mess.

    If any wants to see an example of a world class company that is fully government owned, look for Temasek. It is Singapore Government’s investment company that has around 350 employees and manages assets around US$130 Billion. And it is a multinational. Or look at Singapore Airlines. A Government controlled airline that is now the best airline in the world.

    Why can’t National Aviation Company of India pull up their socks and start working? By stopping pay cheques, isn’t touching employee’s loyalty any where? Or just because its government money and people will keep paying taxes, you don’t have performance responsibility?

    I would like to mention what I had read in DNA news paper where the author (sorry, forgot the name, can some one send that story link or the name of the author) who is an ex-board member of Indian Airlines mentioned what changed in Indian Airlines that is not happening in Air India or now NACL.

    It’s the Employees motivation factor. Employees are the internal customers and if you don’t treat them good, the external customers are going to suffer.

    If you are wondering that airline has old staff (Air Hostess) as a reason, that you would be wrong. I have only travelled twice on Air India and it has been a pleasant journey for me, with Air Hostess and Stewards giving proper attention and treated everyone equally. Even the sister airline, Air India Express was very good and comparable to some of Private airlines.

    The problem is not onboard aircraft; it’s with the management and its work culture of a typical babus. The managers are not chosen on merit or are under performing because once you become permanent, no one can push you out. Or if that happens, the Worker association starts an agitation and strike, further dampening the airline.

    If you plan to privatise, then employees start an agitation. They do that because then they become accountable and which is bad for their leisure.

    This is the culture that needs to change in Air India and only then will be there any hope revival for country’s premier airline. Brining on board Ratan Tata may help in getting more money from Government, but I guess even Tata will not be interested in taking reins on the Airline with no control over the staff performance.

    This Blog post was selected for the Tangy Tuesday Picks by blogadda.com Tangy Tuesday Picks – July 28, ’09