COMMENTARY
INTERVIEWS
SPECIALS
CHAT
ARCHIVES

Air-India meets working capital needs without borrowings in H1

The multi-pronged exercises undertaken by Air-India to tide over its financial crisis has begun to yield positive results if its success in managing its working capital needs without any borrowings is an indication.

This was stated by a spokesman of the national carrier in Bombay today. Air-India has taken no loans for its working capital requirements since April 1, 1998. Measures like vigorous marketing strategy, efficient fleet management and cost-cutting measures were attributed by the spokesman for the improvement coming about in the airline finances.

The domestic services have already become very popular among air travellers and the flights are also going full. The passengers are increasingly attracted to its counters, according to the spokesman because of the journey comforts offered for prices lower than other airlines and attractive ground services including coach service.

The airline has also recovered considerably its market share of international routes -- principal sector of its operations -- with its international flights reporting good improvement in passenger load factor.

The airline has also as part of its product improvement extended the advance seat reservation facility on Internet to the economy class passengers travelling on India-London-India, India-US-India and India-Frankfurt-India routes. This facility could be availed of by those travelling with the airline in groups of three or more with one common PNR booking number or with infant or requiring a seat close to toilet for medical reasons, the spokesman said.

The facility of advance seat reservations will be provided on first-come-first-served basis. The passengers, however, need to make the request through e-mail 72 hours prior to departure of the flight, he added.

UNI