AI in the news
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: PMI
Programs: BA,LH,CX,EK SPG,IC mainly and a few others
Posts: 1,862
AI in the news
In NYTimes today.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/31/bu...a.html?_r=1&hp
I haven't flown them for a long time, they were not this bad then...
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/31/bu...a.html?_r=1&hp
I haven't flown them for a long time, they were not this bad then...
#2
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: All over India
Programs: 9W Plat, Flying Blue Elite, HHonors Gold, Accor Le Club Plat
Posts: 814
This only goes to support my opinion about AI. They lack direction, leadership, funds and accountability. Most importantly, in my view, their service sucks. Their business and first class are good/great products, but with surly service, load factors on high-revenue seats continue to plummet. Net result: a pathetic, loss making airline run by an even more useless and bureaucratic government.
#5
Join Date: Jun 1999
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 1,230
It is unconscionable to give over a billion dollars to AI when there is so much incredible poverty and hunger in much of India. The Indian government should be crucified for this decision. Their role in AI needs to be eliminated and control handed back to the private sector. India’s government officials and their families need to start buying their own airline tickets vs using AI as their private jets.
#6
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: BOM-SIN-EWR
Programs: UA*G (1K again), Sixt Plat, *was*: SQ QPP01 & SK EBS/EBG, LH SEN, AA EXP, 9wPlat
Posts: 8,605
Edited to Add: I think that the political statement you made is incorrect, as I thought that Congress made a majority without the help of the Left, during the recent elections.
#7
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: 1 AU
Programs: Support the Tyrants Travel Club
Posts: 2,707
what's the worst Bollywood movie ever?
http://www.indiamike.com/india/books...-movie-t53776/
i don't think there is a consensus. what some people love, others hate, and vice versa.
however, some names that seem to pop up more than others: Cash, Om Shanti Om, Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna, etc.
but that guy in the article is probably right (about movies).
and maybe about AI, too (welcome to *A?)
http://www.indiamike.com/india/books...-movie-t53776/
i don't think there is a consensus. what some people love, others hate, and vice versa.
however, some names that seem to pop up more than others: Cash, Om Shanti Om, Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna, etc.
but that guy in the article is probably right (about movies).
and maybe about AI, too (welcome to *A?)
#8
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: All over India
Programs: 9W Plat, Flying Blue Elite, HHonors Gold, Accor Le Club Plat
Posts: 814
I still have my doubts about *A happening for AI, in spite of all commitments. There's still time for AI to screw up a fair bit (and knowing them, they'll do their best to), so am waiting for the official joining announcement in 2010. Though I fear its either going to be a deferral, or a joining announcement for 9W...
#9
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: BOM-SIN-EWR
Programs: UA*G (1K again), Sixt Plat, *was*: SQ QPP01 & SK EBS/EBG, LH SEN, AA EXP, 9wPlat
Posts: 8,605
I still have my doubts about *A happening for AI, in spite of all commitments. There's still time for AI to screw up a fair bit (and knowing them, they'll do their best to), so am waiting for the official joining announcement in 2010. Though I fear its either going to be a deferral, or a joining announcement for 9W...
AI is doing just quite that!
#10
Moderator: GLBT travelers, India-based Airlines and India; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Asia
Programs: Yes!
Posts: 15,512
#11
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: DFW
Programs: AA 1M
Posts: 31,437
#12
Join Date: May 2004
Location: US
Programs: UA Lifetime Gold, IHG Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 971
I have travelled on AI several times on domestic India routes (only once on international many years ago) and their service and reliability was fairly decent. Inflight service was better than American carriers and service at the ticket counter was not as good, but not poor either.
However no airline deserves $1 billion in subsidy especially for a developing country such as India, when there are othe pressing needs and there are private carriers such as Jet, Kingfisher, Indigo, Spicejet, etc.. can take AI's place if it where to shut down.
Also in a way this is hindering private air carriers growth and future profitability by subsidizing AI.
AI need not make profits, it can exist as a revenue neutral airline, but losing a billion dollars is something India cannot afford.
However no airline deserves $1 billion in subsidy especially for a developing country such as India, when there are othe pressing needs and there are private carriers such as Jet, Kingfisher, Indigo, Spicejet, etc.. can take AI's place if it where to shut down.
Also in a way this is hindering private air carriers growth and future profitability by subsidizing AI.
AI need not make profits, it can exist as a revenue neutral airline, but losing a billion dollars is something India cannot afford.
Last edited by hyho61; Nov 1, 2009 at 6:00 pm Reason: grammar