National Airline:Our Pride-But......!

I remember, when I was in school, sometime in early '60, I used to hear my elders speak very highly of Air India. It, at the time had, if I remember correctly, only six Boeing 'Jumbo' aircraft and they would cover the globe. Mostly on time,most of the time. The crew was good- I had a relative who was a Pilot (ex-IAF),then. In our neighbour came a newly married couple-the wife was ex air hostess, beautiful to say the least.



The 'Maharaja' was looked up to and admired as among the leading world Airline. It always displayed a very eye catching advertisements, which were topical to be sure. To be employed and serving in the Airline was a matter of pride. Members of the Air India 'team' were always looked in awe by us youngsters. To 'fly' became a cherished desire to achieve.


Perhaps, this was what motivated me and I, did get selected in the IAF and became a professional, operational Pilot. Many of my school mates also took to aviation, and some of them are presently flying in Airlines, including Air India. They were and will be envy of many, even in this present day.


I recently got an opportunity to fly as a paying passenger in our National Airline and I confess, I looked forward to enjoy this flight, with my wife in tow. We were to fly to HongKong,to be with our son and his family.The flights,both to and back were very comfortable. The execution by the flying crew was smooth and punctual. The cabin crew wasa ttentive, harried but courteous.


When all that I mentioned above is good and acceptable, then why does the Airline not make a reasonable profit. I suggest, that the airline management look more closely on ground for clues to improve. I can only help in one direction, where the paying passenger comes in contact directly, and speaks about the same to other potential paying passengers. This 'word-of-mouth' campaign is very crucial, as it is readily assimilated by people.

I wish to draw the attention of the management to the callousness by many and sundry from the maintenance floor level to those in the supervisory and management level. When I boarded the aircraft on both occasions of my travel I found the following, which does not speak well of the airline, in the eyes of paying passenger.

I noticed that:
(a) The aircraft to be dirty and unkempt at its first glance. The curtains hanging at various places were in need of wash.

(b) The floor covering was not pasted down as it was originally intended to be. At a couple of places the condition suggested that it should have been replaced completely.

(c) At more than three places,visible to naked eye, in both the aeroplanes, I noticed grease like finger prints of the workman who ha d last visited to the job.

(d) The general upkeep of the galley left much to be desired. The galley stainless steel grid had lost its shine. Many places where there should have been proper handles were covered with insulation tapes. A very undesirable sight to say the least.

(e) The sliding door of the elson compartment, was not sliding smooth enough, lady passenger felt quite harassed.

(f) As the trash bin had not been cleared after the previous landing, used paper napkins perforce strewn all over on the floor.

(g) The passenger seats tapestry and coverings had long lost its original color. Plainly speaking-they are dirty.

I can list more, but, I think I have made my point very clear--CLEAN UP OR......LOOSE!

I am convinced, that the attitude needs correcting. The supervisor has to make his presence felt. The engineer has raise his standard and acquire a new higher threshold of acceptance of quality work. The management has to show more paths leading OUT to all those who do not contribute to keep up the GOOD NAME OF THE AIRLINE which it has rightfully earned.