The current piquant situation of Indian Aviation has prompted many corporate wits to quip – Time has come for Air India and Indigo to be nationalized! Even when said in humour, the utterance is not only full of sarcasm but maybe, just maybe, has a hidden longing for the past, when Air India and in turn the government, could be roundly criticized. All things seem to have gone wrong. Could the thought, of the government desisting from being in business of business, been hasty? Now it seems, even the most famous grouse – The best PSU is a dead PSU, seems to be headed towards a quiet burial. Consumers are left without choice and monopolies are on the rise. Many rue the day they rooted for full scale privatization.
The total annihilation of PSUs from Aviation sector in India has been a disaster from the start. Frequent travelers’ assert; pompous nature of most Airlines emanating from being fully aware of the lack of competition, abysmal safety track records, cruelty towards passengers, lack of accountability, rampant delays, scant respect for Senior Citizens, lies and subterfuge, food contamination, abominable services have become the hallmark of most airlines. Busybody advisors of the government, aviation experts, babus, economists all seem to have conspired against air passengers. Strong words but that’s what most felt after the tragic disaster of AI 171.Which incidentally has yet to see full closure. DGCA seems to be toothless and practically defunct. Apologists h also seem to have run out of steam. Though they are no longer seriously given heed to by the public.
The current imbroglio set in by the biggest two Air Services providers in tandem is unprecedented. The two most popular Airlines, which carry the bulk of India’s domestic & international passengers, have chosen to show their tantrums at peak travel season. Most who have had even a faint brush with Aviation, do not remember, when such a crisis ever arose in past. No natural disaster, war, fuel/parts/food shortage is there, still ALL Flights of a particular airline have been cancelled from Mumbai & Delhi. From other cities as well there is practically no operation.
1100 Flights have been cancelled with 170-200 daily cancellations. Another leading passenger carrier has been severely warned by DGCA for not adhering to safety norms. It’s also facing third party system disruption. All this has resulted in International & Domestic routes being impacted. What is happening? No one seems to be aware. Communication is scarce. Anxiety and tempers are on the rise on all sides. If one follows Media, one see’s only confusion and passenger tragedy. All this, coupled with the ‘scalpers’ like attitude of hospitality sector in and around airports, make air passengers a pitiable lot today. Prices in Aviation & Hospitality sectors have skyrocketed. All like bridle less horses are galloping. When, some of these amenities, were government owned, some control could be exercised. Now the government also cannot do much. It can mouth platitudes at best. Such is what is begotten from rampant capitalization in a nation like India. It’s a one way ticket to the blues!
NewsIP had been warning of such situations in a series of scenario building articles. (Readers can refer links given below). NewsIP has never been a nay-sayer. But the basic principle of strategy building is having a Plan – B which seems to be currently nonexistent, for the sector. Has privatization of some strategic companies come at a huge and unforeseen price? Could an alternate means have been attempted? Better management or even reverse BOLT? Many may say it’s all speculation now. Though, caution always suggests that in handling Corporates one cannot act in haste and repent at leisure. Something drastic is required to rectify the situation. Sectors and Verticals are closely integrated in today’s connected world. The intense problems being faced by the Aviation Sector in India, would have a domino effect on other sectors as well. If one was to work the consolidated economic loss, of such disruptions, it would be considerable. The kind of PR Disaster which the current situation has brought about is also formidable. Ironically, most who are in the chair and run the show seem to be MIA. Bureaucratic clairvoyants and defenders have fallen silent. No elaborate, all knowing explanations or press conferences now! With other Asian nations nibbling at India’s feet, the country can scarce afford such luxuries. The countries which Indian Aviation has traditionally been servicing could easily slip away.
We have seen how the Middle East Aviation players have become enormously successful in a short span of time. With India signing up with China for re-opening of air corridors, India should be ready for further challenges. Instead of gearing up, India seems to be steadily slipping back.
It’s time to inject new ideas, new players, new professionals who can play the game according to the new rules. Though, Indians are a hardy lot. Most believe – ‘Saddi gaddi tel naal nahi hosle naal chaldi aa’. Don’t let them down.
