The Hindu Business Line : AI must provide world-class service: PM

New fleet joins AI: The Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, and the Minister for Civil Aviation, Mr Praful Patel, being welcomed aboard the Boeing 777-200 Long Range aircraft that joined the Air India fleet. The Prime Minister launched the new fleet in the Capital on Saturday.

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New Delhi, July 28 The Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, on Saturday cautioned Air India that merely acquiring new aircraft was not enough and the airline should look at other issues including ensuring world-class service levels.

“New aircraft and terminals are only the hardware of your business. New management styles, better service quality and focused customer care are the more valuable elements of your business. Your business is not just about getting world class aircraft but also about ensuring world-class service levels,” Dr Singh said.

Challenges

Speaking at a function to launch the new Air India fleet, the Prime Minister called on the carrier to be prepared for meeting the challenge of increased competition both globally and in the domestic market.

The Prime Minister added that it should be the airlines aim to regain the reputation of being one of the best in the world.

Addressing the meeting, the Minister for Civil Aviation, Mr Praful Patel, said that Air India would soon have to “revisit” its fleet acquisition plan.

“Both Air India and Indian have ordered 111 aircraft worth $10 billion. However, by 2011 the airlines which would have merged into one would have registered a negative growth in its fleet. If the airline has to look ahead it will have to revisit its fleet acquisition plan as aircraft are not available off the shelf and have to be ordered in advance,” Mr Patel said.

On the occasion, five aircraft representing its core business activities were lined up at the Technical Area of the Indira Gandhi airport. On the tarmac were two new additions to the AI fleet — the Boeing 777-200 Long Range aircraft and an Airbus A-321. In addition, a Boeing 737-800 aircraft from the Air India Express and two aircraft from Air India Cargo were also on display.

While the function was on, a mint fresh Boeing 777-200 Long Range, named Assam, escorted by two Sukhoi jets landed at the airport.