Will take time for Air India turnaround: Vayalar Ravi

Thiruvananthapuram: New civil aviation minister Vayalar Ravi Sunday said it will not be an easy task to swing around Air India in a short period.
Speaking to the media here on his first visit to the Kerala capital after taking over the aviation portfolio, Ravi said he has been busy in the past few days holding discussions with the objective of bringing back "the lost glory" of the national carrier.
"There is no doubt that there are issues because things have not fallen in place as they should have following the merger of Air India and Indian Airlines. I have decided that before I start to do anything, I will have discussions with all stakeholders, ranging from the various unions besides the cabin crew, pilots guild, the finance sections and others," said Ravi.
"I do not wish to give a time frame to you with regard to putting back Air India to the place it should be because if I say so then you, the media will be after me once the period gets over. Please give me a little time because there are a good number of issues that have to be sorted out," he added.
Ravi was, however, non-committal if there was going to be a Voluntary Retirement Scheme programme for its employees.
"One of the biggest problem is the shortage of aircraft that Air India is facing, and among the other issues that have to be looked into is the routing aspect and the fare structures in comparison with other private airlines," added Ravi. He, however, ruled out a revamp of the present open air policy of the government.
23/01/11 IANS/Times of India

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Categories: Air India Jan 2011, Indian Aviation- In General Jan 2011