Well, I will claim to have successfully predicted that the proposed airline strike will invoke a sharp reaction from the government. If I got it right, I am sure it was plain obvious to everyone. As it happened, the airlines themselves were not united, and the strike has been called off.
What I like about such failed attempts is that they succeed exceedingly well in making the point. With losses mounting and what not, the last thing airlines need is the hassle of refunding fares to passengers. They just wanted to prick Praful Patel's butt and make him lose sleep on a few nights. Mission superbly accomplished.
What now? Mr. Patel says no bailout for private airlines. And that's fair enough. I am no expert on this industry, but Spice recently posted a profit and thats good enough for me. It indicates, if managed well, there is scope for improvement. On the other hand though, globally the airline industry is a disaster. But still there is a Singapore here and a Southwest there that defies the trend year after year after year. Airline CEOs need to roll up their sleeves and get creative about fixing the issues. Laying off employees and asking for price cuts on jet fuel is lazy management - these are the two biggest expenses, and if u reduce expenses, u make profit right? Wrong! The industry needs some fresh bottom-up thinking. Although not as fresh as Capt Gopinath's I guess, who is blamed by some for the mess we are in:)
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