IS IT AN egalitarian exercise? Or, is it simply a revenue-generating move? One can keep debating the cause and effect of the move. What is not missed, however, is the churning that is happening at the Tata Group-owned, Air India. Well, Air India has announced a new travel policy for its executives. Accordingly, all staff members, including top executives, will be required to fly in economy class for domestic flights. Senior pilots will adopt this policy from June onwards. Employees can only access premium economy or business class seats if these remain unsold 50 minutes before the flight’s departure. Ostensibly, the idea behind the enforcement of this policy is to ensure that paying customers have priority access to premium seats. This will apply to all its employees – from entry-level staff to top management and even CEO. A customer first approach is welcome and Air India needs to be applauded for this. Not just that. It must be lauded for ushering in a sense of socialism in treatment of its employees. Well, the message is clear. Operational efficiency and revenue maximisation form the fulcrum of the new order. Acquiring a legacy airline is one thing. Fixing the legacy problems is, however, quite a difficult task. Air India has chosen the right course
