Rivals help IA to cope with strike fallout

New Delhi: The recent flash strike called by an Indian Airlines employees’ union, which lasted 42 hours, brought forth a spirit of inter-airline cooperation in an age of cut-throat competition, when rival airlines actually rallied behind Indian Airlines (IA) by drawing up contingency plans in case the striking employees and the civil aviation ministry failed to come to an understanding.
Though initially it was party time for private airlines, with demand for airline tickets shooting up as stranded passengers were forced to purchase alternative tickets to reach their destinations at almost double the price, as the strike entered its second day, government bodies and private carriers joined hands to provide support to the national domestic carrier.
At the behest of the Federation of Indian Airlines (FIA) chairman V Thulasidas, an emergency plan was drawn up to help Indian Airlines’ stranded passengers. Private airlines were requested to accept IA passengers if seats were available and honour tickets at pre-booked prices. Secondly, to provide ground staff support at various airports and operate additional flights especially for IA passengers if aircraft were available, an industry official said.
19/06/07 Atreyee Dev Roy/Financial Express

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Categories: Indian Jun 2007