Ravi: “there are issues”

New Civil Aviation Minister Vayalar Ravi yesterday said turning around Air India in a short period will not be an easy task.
Speaking to the media on his first visit to the Kerala capital after taking over the aviation portfolio, Ravi said he has been 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, the cabin crew, pilots guild, the finance sections and others,” Ravi said.
“I do not wish to give a time frame 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.”
Ravi was, however, non-committal when asked if there was going to be a Voluntary Retirement Scheme for its employees.
“One of the biggest problems 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,” Ravi said.
He, however, ruled out a revamp of the open air policy of the government.
“The private sector plays a crucial role and we are not one that will discourage them. Employee motivation is one area that will be given a lot of importance,” Ravi said, adding he was well aware of the various issues because in the past he himself has taken them up with the civil aviation officials.
He also said that he would take up the issue of levying airport user fee at the new airports in the country.
The National Aviation Company of India, the parent company of the Air India brand, suffered losses of Rs50bn in 2009-10, in addition to the loss of Rs71bn in the previous year.
Earlier, the government had infused equity worth Rs8bn in February 2010 and another dose of Rs12bn last month to tide over the crisis and finance the fleet acquisition plan of 111 aircraft ordered from Boeing and Airbus in 2006.