Indian to revamp image, Patel says no new routes can be followed

BY A CORRESPONDENT
May 18, 2006

The onslaught of successful private airlines has finally convinced state-owned Indian Airlines to revamp its entire image and make itself more attractive for air passengers. To that end, it has gone in for a makeover that will be the first step in building itself as a brand. Recently, it had changed its logo, aircraft facia and livery. Now the airline proposes to bring in more variety in crew uniforms, and upgrade in-flight entertainment systems in the economy class, the latter measures coming in once the new Airbus aircrafts have been delivered. Although its passenger share has not reduced, Indian's market share has decreased by as much as 25 per cent, in an increasingly competitive air market.

With the delivery of the 43 new Airbus planes, Indian will make several changes for the entertainment of the passengers, as well as changes in crockery, galley facilities and toilets, upgrading them to a more classy atmosphere. According to one news report quoting a reliable source, "We will have seatback-mounted TV screens on every economy seat and arm-rest screen in the executive class. These systems will be installed in every new Airbus plane that will be delivered as part of the 43-aircraft purchase plane cleared recently by the government," and added, "We will also provide a facility for Live Satellite TV feed on-board the aircraft. This will redefine service standards in the domestic skies."

In addition, a fashion designer is likely to be hired to ensure that Indian air hostesses are wearing the latest trends. According to the source, "We have decided to offer our air-hostesses more options for uniform. While saris would still be there, the airline is including some other Indian dresses as part of uniform. We are examining a variety of dresses and a final list of options would be put together within a month."

Meanwhile, Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel has clarified to the Lok Sabha that no new routes would be added to the Indian network, on account of fleet limitations. While pointing out that the Government had laid down route dispersal guidelines to facilitate air traffic and connecting various destinations in the country, Patel also emphasised that the air services provided by the carrier were largely determined by traffic demand and commercial viability, in addition to the guidelines.

He also said that scheduled airline services cover 72 destinations, and that compliance with the guidelines would be checked on a monthly basis. In addition, he said that Indian would be commencing a serious marketing campaign, crew members would undergo training as an ongoing process, with special emphasis on customer service excellence initiatives, International Air Transport Association (IATA) programmes, sales training and mandatory refreshers for frontline employees.

Regarding user rights, Patel said that the terms of lease/sale agreement between airport operator and airline will apply, except in the case when the user rights in the infrastructure are given to a carrier on non-payment basis such as parking bays and landing slots. Only those rights that are in use by the airline that is transferring the aircraft may be used by the carrier taking over the plane. The remaining rights would be available only to the Government/airport operator. In addition, the user rights would be accessible for the carrier that is taking over, only until the concerned infrastructure is in active use.

In addition, he said that the recommendations made by the Aircraft Acquisition Committee (AAC), regarding the use of airport infrastructure in case of merger or take over of airlines and sale or transfer of aircraft approval by competent authority, have been accepted by the Government .