And for a Friday, speculations on Jet Airways future, some thoughts….. some musings…..

As a Platinum Member, Jet Airways has been my favourite since inception. This Airline set standards in pristine Domestic Air travel – Brand new Aircrafts, excellent cuisine, smart Airhostesses in colourful uniforms with the Typical bright yellow overcoats and personalised service. They quickly grabbed Marketshare, acclaimed the best Domestic Airlines and then all went wrong – Owner Goyal’s over ambition, friendship with Mallya, purchase of Sahara and conversion to Jetlite. Product positioning all Topsy Turvy – premium or low cost, both segments impossible. Enters Aditya Ghosh, crafted Indigo as the Market leader in just 10 years with 41% Marketshare last year. Way ahead of any other with focused strategy – Single Aircraft type (all Airbus), standardised procedures, only Economy class, leasing Aircrafts instead of purchasing, no costly Aerobridges at Airports – only ladders, competitive seat pricing and on time; every time. Jet stands no chance….. going….. going….. Gone…..

Speculation of a Tatas take over is a full circle in Indian Aviation. Tatas started Air India, made it India’s pride in the Sky in the sixties and seventies and then lost it to the Govt. Now with Vistara, Air Asia and possibly Jet, I wish Tatas are back. India is a huge Aviation Market, the fastest growing market in Asia Pacific with LY Growth of 13% compared to China’s 8%. India could be the World’s largest market in a decade. MRO – Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul market is huge and completely exempt from Customs and countervailing duties. Imagine the potential. Just in one state of old Andhra 6 new greenfield airports – Nizamabad, Nellore, Kurnool, Ramagundam, Tadepelligudam and Kothagudam. GOI has privatised 6 International Airports to be built in PPP (Public Private Partnership) mode – Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Mangalore, Gauhati and Thiruvanthapuram.

There is huge growth possibilities in Aviation. Fair Competition helps us as Customers. May the Best and most efficient survive. Let us support the new growth. Lets build a new Well connected India, the legal way, the Transparent way, the SEEGOS way.