And for a Friday in Mumbai, news of the iconic Air India building at Nariman Point being bought by Maharashtra Govt, some thoughts….. some musings…..
In its hey days, the Maharaja symbolised best in class Indian service from the House of TATAs. The Air India building at Nariman Point had a unique recognition in Mumbai’s most cherished tourist spot, Marine Drive – the pride of every Mumbaikar. Alas!!! nationalisation, political patronage and rampant corruption, irresponsible unionisation and complete mismanagement ensured huge losses and irreparable damage to the Airline and it plummeted to be amongst the worst run and hugely loss making organisations. The purchase of Air India building by the Maharashtra Govt to house its offices for just 1601 crores, completes the cycle. Old Air India and The Maharaja laid to rest. RIP.
With Aviation Industry’s largest ever order of 470 planes, 250 to Airbus and 220 to Boeing, the new Air India rises like the Phoenix under the able overall guidance of N. Chandrasekaran of Tata Sons and Campbell Wilson the new MD and CEO. The “Vista” symbolising limitless possibilities, modern design with golden, red and purple colour, plush interiors and well trained staff, the TATA brand will hopefully recreate a globally competitive new level of hospitality and efficiency in the Air and on the ground in most cities of the Globe. I for sure will be most happy to desert all those Middle East airlines who put their worst aircrafts on the India sector at the highest price points, as well as the “Cocky” European airlines. As regards domestic sector, I am just waiting for the day when I can “kick out” Indigo completely from my flying options. Such has been their ill-treatment and complete lack of customer care during the days when they enjoyed monopoly. Hopefully there will be “Ache Din” in the Air for all of us.
As we enter the Diwali week, here’s wishing all my FB friends relatives and well wishers a Happy Diwali. Let’s all celebrate the responsible way, the pollution-free way, the SEEGOS way.