Priority is to pilot AI to old glory: Vayalar Ravi

Restoring Air India to its original glory and increasing connectivity to the North-East are the top priorities for the new minister for civil aviation , Vayalar Ravi . In an exclusive interview to Anindya Upadhyay of ET, the minister says cartelisation will be dealt with firmly though pushing airfares down won't be an easy task in view of the increasing fuel prices. Edited Excerpts:
How do you see the airline industry? Is managing Air India your biggest challenge?
I've taken over a time when the sector is beset with many problems. In addition, there is also criticism about the safety aspect and customer service. The financial position of flag carrier Air India is also not that good. Together, these issues require a lot of work and it's not a one-man show. It requires team work and the support of officials, workers and stakeholders . My first priority is to gather all the required information and then come to my own conclusions.
What will be your approach to help Air India?
I'll first have a dialogue with all unions and seek their cooperation. I will call up each one of them and understand their issues on a personal level. I will also work very closely with the Air India management and intend to meet the company's CMD in a day's time. The airline needs a different strategy that should be implemented jointly. The approach should be to integrate all views and restore the airline to its original glory.
21/01/11 Anindya Upadhyay/Economic Times

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Categories: Air India Jan 2011