M. Thiagarajan, CEO, Paramount Airways outlines the company’s unique model and strategies to stay ahead in the race.

The paramount model of allbusiness class travel has proved to be a unique concept and is now being followed by other airlines such as Lufthansa, British Airways and Singapore Airlines. In fact, Paramount Airways was recently conferred the High Value Carrier Award.

Operations began towards the end of 2005 when the concept of low-cost carrier was in full bloom. The air traveller was being offered rock bottom prices by the new low-cost airlines. But one needs to remember that we started an airline as a business proposition and not as a charitable institution.

Paramount Airways decided to offer something completely different from what air travellers were getting from low cost rriers. We offered value for money through full business class and excellent in-flight service at attractive prices that were only marginally higher than economy class travel. Frills included lounge facilities, baggage assistance and gourmet food onboard. We targeted the business traveller segment of not only large companies but even small or medium ones wherein executives travel in the morning to other cities to attend meetings or conclude deals and return the same day.

People questioned us as to why we offer food onboard. We realised that the business traveller leaves home before breakfast time to catch a flight for a morning business meeting at destination and has no time to have a meal on arrival. The disposition is identical on the return trip as well. It is only in the fitness of things, therefore, to provide him food on board. This arrangement is not only extremely convenient for the business traveller but also saves valuable time.

We received overwhelming response from passengers in southern India. Load factor remained about 85 per cent to even 90 per cent in some cases. We neither opted for long haul routes suitable for Boeing or Airbus nor did we go for short haul covered by ATR type of aircraft.