New Air India boss pledges financial turnaround

MUMBAI: Air India's new boss has vowed to turn around the ailing airline, calling for the brand to be completely overhauled to meet the needs of modern-day travelers.

Rohit Nandan, appointed by the government last week, told the Economic Times in an interview published on Thursday that "economic turnaround of the airline is a priority", as it battles massive losses and crippling debts.

The 54-year-old civil servant, who comes to Air India from the country's civil aviation ministry, said he was "absolutely comfortable" taking over the helm of the struggling state-owned flag carrier.

Air India, once referred to as the "maharajah of the skies", has been in the red since 2007 when it merged with domestic carrier Indian Airlines.

The government in New Delhi has injected some 25 billion rupees ($550 million) into the airline and is expected to infuse another 12 billion rupees into the company this year.

Air India has seen its share of passengers cut due to competition from private domestic carriers while its mounting debts have left it struggling to pay staff.

Earlier this month, its bid to become a member the Star Alliance group of international airlines was grounded for not meeting the joining criteria.

Nandan told the business daily that he would focus on improving customer satisfaction as Air India was a symbol of the nation and had to adapt to the "new needs" of the fast-growing nation.

"Young fliers should choose and feel satisfied with the product... The airline needs a complete makeover and must meet expectations. It should give people value for money," he added.

Air India is awaiting government approval of a five-year turnaround plan that includes more cash and a new business plan that would increase its fleet size, cut routes and set up network hubs.

Copyright AFP (Agence France-Presse), 2011