At a time when corporate India is still struggling to increase women’s participation at the workplace and looking at ways to break the glass ceiling, a public sector enterprise was one of the early pioneers.
Indian Airlines, the erstwhile prestigious national carrier, recruited Durba Banerjee as its pilot within few years of its inception in 1953.
Eight domestic airlines that flew before and right after Independence were merged to form the new domestic national airline – the Indian Airlines Corporation. This is how Indian Airlines got its wings. As Indian Airlines flew domestic, Air India operated on international routes.
For many Indians – especially those born before the 1990s – Indian Airlines with its orange-coloured logo was the only option to fly. It was synonymous to flying for at least three generations of post-Independence Indians.
This was a time when there were no choices for an air traveller in India. The airports looked dull and uneventful, and the Indian Airlines was the only way to reach far-flung corners. And, the connections weren’t always convenient, not to mention chronic delays and unexciting food. But it was a brand Indians were close to because it was regarded as a national asset.
“It was a brand that connected India, and in pre-liberalisation days, much of the travelling was domestic with very little overseas travel. Therefore, Indian Airlines was the only option,” brand historian Santosh Desai said.
The Indian Airlines had a successful run till the skies were opened up for the private sector. After other players entered the fray, Indian Airlines lost its monopoly and market share. However, unlike many other government-owned enterprises, it continued to be profitable.
“Indian Airlines ruled the hearts and minds of Indians. It was absolutely the gold standard,” brand guru Harish Bijoor said. “For executives and families, it was a premium way to travel, especially in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s,” he added.
17/02/19 Mahua Venkatesh/The Print
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Indian Airlines, the erstwhile prestigious national carrier, recruited Durba Banerjee as its pilot within few years of its inception in 1953.
Eight domestic airlines that flew before and right after Independence were merged to form the new domestic national airline – the Indian Airlines Corporation. This is how Indian Airlines got its wings. As Indian Airlines flew domestic, Air India operated on international routes.
For many Indians – especially those born before the 1990s – Indian Airlines with its orange-coloured logo was the only option to fly. It was synonymous to flying for at least three generations of post-Independence Indians.
This was a time when there were no choices for an air traveller in India. The airports looked dull and uneventful, and the Indian Airlines was the only way to reach far-flung corners. And, the connections weren’t always convenient, not to mention chronic delays and unexciting food. But it was a brand Indians were close to because it was regarded as a national asset.
“It was a brand that connected India, and in pre-liberalisation days, much of the travelling was domestic with very little overseas travel. Therefore, Indian Airlines was the only option,” brand historian Santosh Desai said.
The Indian Airlines had a successful run till the skies were opened up for the private sector. After other players entered the fray, Indian Airlines lost its monopoly and market share. However, unlike many other government-owned enterprises, it continued to be profitable.
“Indian Airlines ruled the hearts and minds of Indians. It was absolutely the gold standard,” brand guru Harish Bijoor said. “For executives and families, it was a premium way to travel, especially in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s,” he added.
17/02/19 Mahua Venkatesh/The Print
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