Aviation Think Tank

A Friend Philosopher & Guide

Bikash Choudhury

What is missing in these trying times for Indian Aviation Industry? A credible- impartial-transparent-competent Think Tank of Aviation Industry. Air India, the National Carrier is going through one of its worst times since inception but, there is a dearth of Mature Voice from Aviation Industry for a larger interest of the National Institution (started by one passionate entrepreneur Late Shri JRD Tata) and the millions of air travelers. Little earlier, Private Air Lines on the pressure of high cost of aviation fuels demanded a bailout package from Govt. which was just a red rag for Indian Govt.’s proletariat image; without going to the merit of the case. Private Air Lines subsequently ganged–up and announced lay off for media consumption and to bring pressure on Indian Govt.; later, the lay-offs were withdrawn with much media fanfare.

It is imperative to understand for all concerned, Indian Aviation apart from offering quick passenger transport to people across the country is also an employer of Highly Skilled human resources and also an important link of the Economy. A healthy Aviation Industry would have a multiplier effect on country’s GDP. Country should have a vision for aviation industry. “Currently, only 40 cities are connected by air by scheduled air line; which must be raised to100 cities in few years. And, for that wish to happen; India needs to look at low cost transport aircraft manufacturing technology and low cost infrastructure & supply chain to service the passengers.”

The Current state of Air India is the net result of years of mismanagement by The Govt., Incompetent Management and highly paid employees with poor work ethics. Now, the current management of Air India seems to have the understanding of the problem and attempting a turn around with great difficulty without moral and material support of Owner (the Govt.) & Employees. In this time, having chosen the management, the Govt. should offer complete backing to the management for the task ahead (without looking at political fallout) and the employees trade unions like ICPA, IPG, ACEU and AIPG must rally around the management in their own interest. If need be, the trade unions must voluntarily accept a temporary deferred payment of a portion of their salary to tide over this difficult times in larger interest of the organization. If, Air India managed to spring back to life from this deep air pocket, then the maximum material benefit would go the way of the employees, apart from saving 30,000 jobs. Aviation Think Tank should be able to articulate a considered view point in the interest of Aviation Industry for long term growth and maturity of the sector. Is India short of Aviation Professionals?