Many friends have suggested that I write about my experiences in Indian Civil Aviation, particularly, about my tenure in Air-India and what I would recommend to make this airline once again economically viable.
First, my background. I served Air-India for almost 24 years in various capacities. Fresh from undergraduate college, I joined the airline in 1957 as a Junior Officer and my initial training and placement was in the Rates and Tariffs Division. I took over the Division in 1966 and then moved on to other responsibilities -
A. Head of Commercial Planning in 1968 with overall charge of aircraft acquisition, Bilateral Agreements, Revenue Pool Agreements in addition to the Tariffs Division.
B. Head of Marketing and Sales in 1972
C. Commercial Director and head of all Sales Offices worldwide, in 1977
D. Deputy Managing Director and Board Member in 1978 with overall charge of the following Departments:
1. Commercial Department
2. Inflight Services
3. Ground Services
4. Planning and International Relations
I left Air-India and India in 1980 because Government interference became so intense that I felt suffocated and unable to adequately perform my duties and responsibilities.
Thereafter, I spent 5 years as Commercial Adviser and GM - Americas with Kuwait Airways, 18 months as a Consultant with PanAm and 13 years as GM - Americas and in-house Tour Operator with Air Mauritius.
Having worked with four airlines with very distinct cultures, I believe that by the end of my working career, I had not only served them to the best of my abilities, but also learnt many facets of commercial aviation.
Hence, I have just now created this Blog and will from time to time, add Posts which I hope will be read by persons who share my interest in the welfare of Air-India and its place in Indian Civil Aviation.
First, my background. I served Air-India for almost 24 years in various capacities. Fresh from undergraduate college, I joined the airline in 1957 as a Junior Officer and my initial training and placement was in the Rates and Tariffs Division. I took over the Division in 1966 and then moved on to other responsibilities -
A. Head of Commercial Planning in 1968 with overall charge of aircraft acquisition, Bilateral Agreements, Revenue Pool Agreements in addition to the Tariffs Division.
B. Head of Marketing and Sales in 1972
C. Commercial Director and head of all Sales Offices worldwide, in 1977
D. Deputy Managing Director and Board Member in 1978 with overall charge of the following Departments:
1. Commercial Department
2. Inflight Services
3. Ground Services
4. Planning and International Relations
I left Air-India and India in 1980 because Government interference became so intense that I felt suffocated and unable to adequately perform my duties and responsibilities.
Thereafter, I spent 5 years as Commercial Adviser and GM - Americas with Kuwait Airways, 18 months as a Consultant with PanAm and 13 years as GM - Americas and in-house Tour Operator with Air Mauritius.
Having worked with four airlines with very distinct cultures, I believe that by the end of my working career, I had not only served them to the best of my abilities, but also learnt many facets of commercial aviation.
Hence, I have just now created this Blog and will from time to time, add Posts which I hope will be read by persons who share my interest in the welfare of Air-India and its place in Indian Civil Aviation.
Hello Inder,
ReplyDeleteI stumbled upon your blog somewhat by accident, when I did a google search for my late grandfather's name - Lal Sikka - wondering if there were any digital traces left of his involvement with Air Mauritius. Even if it's just in passing, I'm also pleased to see mention of his time in Air India - a period about which I know little. As you may know (or not - I won't presume to know how well you were acquainted), he eventually remained there for the remainder of his life; he passed away in 2012.
Nevertheless, growing up in an aviation family has been of huge influence to me - I suppose this is why I am now working in the field too!
Anyway, thanks for the blog - it's a pleasure reading about times gone by.
Regards
Rohan
Hi Rohan.....my father worked with someone called Lal Sikka in Aden Airways. When Aden Airways closed Lal went on to work with Air India and was seconded to Air Mauritius. If it the same guy when he worked in Aden we would fly back for schooling in the UK with his son Sunil. Is this enough info for you to know if this is the same Lal Sikka. best David
ReplyDeleteHi David, thanks for your message! Yes, that's definitely my grandfather - he remained in Mauritius afterwards, where I was born and grew up. Sunil was my uncle - he later moved to the US, but sadly passed away in 2014. I'm sorry if this comes as a surprise if you didn't know.
ReplyDeleteMy mom, Pamela, is still in Mauritius - perhaps Sunil mentioned her at some point? She would like to get in touch if possible. Feel free to dm me on rohan2465@gmail.com