Message from President, BAOA

Random Thoughts!

Things are heating up with 4 major states going to elections this month, and with general elections less than six months away, it’s only a matter of time when major decision making is going to be put on hold, as the entire state machinery starts focusing on the most important task in hand, that is selecting the next government. No matter who wins the elections and comes to power, we look forward to consistency in policy, and following a road map for growth!

One of the major concern areas now is the financial distress of airlines. With most of the major airlines showing losses in the previous quarter, the celebration of 50 months of doubledigit growth posted by the sector, does sound a bit skewed. After all, if the stakeholders fold up, where is the growth coming from? Growth cannot be measured only by the increase in passenger traffic, but it also needs to be measured in terms of sustainability of the airlines that drive this growth. Are we missing the woods for the trees! I wonder.

The cover of this edition of BizAvIndia features an iconic figure from the world of G & BA, Ravi Menon, Director, Air Works India. I don’t think there is anyone in the industry of civil aviation, who has not interacted or worked with Ravi. Ravi has been the leading voice for MRO and most matters pertaining to G & BA for decades, and an authoritative voice for the industry. His soft demeanour and sense of humour is unique, and I can assure you that there is never a dull moment in his company. We, at BAOA, have been extremely fortunate to have had Ravi’s sane voice to guide us through all our challenging times. We wish Ravi well, and the very best to his professional endeavours. Very big shoes to fill!

This edition of BizAvIndia is the final one for this calendar year. We have some interesting reading material lined up for you. I hope you find them enjoyable and informative.

One of the major concern areas now is the financial distress of airlines. With most of the major airlines showing losses in the previous quarter, the celebration of 50 months of double-digit growth posted by the sector, does sound a bit skewed. After all, if the stakeholders fold up, where is the growth coming from? Growth cannot be measured only by the increase in passenger traffic, but it also needs to be measured in terms of sustainability of the airlines that drive this growth. Are we missing the woods for the trees! I wonder.

Please fasten your seat belts and enjoy this edition of BizAvIndia. Please feel free to contact me at rohitkapur@baoa.in with your feedback and suggestions. I look forward to getting your inputs on how to address the issues at hand..

Happy Landings and Safe Flying!