Tata Air Services and christened Tata airlines later

So, let us look at history of Air India! Air India started off in 1932 as Tata Air Services and christened Tata airlines later. They decide to name it Air India after WWII and it became a Public Limited Company. It was founded by J.R.D.Tata and in fact he used to fly some of the flights himself. After Indian independence, Govt bought 49% stake in the airline.

Now, let us look at why we need a National airline. I am sure you have heard of Emirates or Qatar. One of the finest in the world! They have huge hubs from where their flights take off or land.

Many politicians fear their nations will be irrelevant if they abandon their money-losing flag airlines. That’s probably a stretch. In most places, the market likely would fill the gap — provided the government got out of the way. But national pride is powerful, and few people want to see storied brands disappear.

— Brian Sumers

The idea was to connect your country to the outside world. Also, for the outside world to know that a country exists and is capable of running their own airlines which can connect to any other country in the world; as needed. So, just like outer space mission, it was a pride that we also have National Airlines. But is this relevant today?

Now, let us look at why this move by the Govt is a little late. It should have done if not two decades ago, then at least a decade ago. Air India has an annual bail out budget or Rs. 4,600 Crores. As per my knowledge, Air India has never made any profit. So, while Local buses and trains serve the people to connect within the country and are trying to reinvent themselves, why should we continue to carry a burden of Rs.4,600 crore which is going to increase every year.

Will people lose jobs? Of course they will! Why do you think they are losing money? It is because it is the same old bureaucratic set up where tenure and reservations hover above merit. So, letting it continue to run when the losses mount up is not anyone running a business would do. Air India has served the Politicians more than the people.

The airline most often tops the chart when it comes to poor on-time performance, flight cancellations, passenger complaints and grievances redressal. For instance, the airline's domestic operations registered 287 complaints in July, the highest among all airlines. While all other airlines managed to address the issues, AI couldn't close 65 passenger complaints against it.

I have flown within India for 15-Years, and the only time I used Air India was when I used to fly from Hyderabad to Bangalore because it was the cheapest flight available. They had a flight coming in from Gulf landing in Hyderabad and then flying out to Bangalore at 3:45 AM or something like that. The price was always Rs.1300+change. Way better than taking a bus.

So, to answer your question, I hope they find a buyer. Air India should have been sold long time ago. You cannot run a company with Unions and Politicians holding the threads.

Good riddance!