Ravi seeks support of AI employees in restoring its glory

New Delhi, Jan 20 (PTI) New Civil Aviation MinisterVayalar Ravi today sought the support of all employees ofailing Air India in restoring its lost glory and said thestaff and the management should work in coordination toachieve this.

"I am taking over from one of my best friends andcolleagues Praful Patel who is responsible for making theaviation sector grow very fast. Thanks to him that there aremany more private players and budget airlines," he said aftertaking over his new assignment at the Ministry headquartershere in the presence of Patel.

He said he would carry forward the policies andimplement the programmes initiated by his predecessor andstrive to bring about improvement in the financial position ofAir India as well as the overall aviation sector.

Being a former trade unionist, Ravi said in thisendeavour, "I solicit the cooperation of all trade unions. Iam here to hear them and seek their cooperation. Among mypriorities would be to improve Air India''s services, make it aprofitable institution and restore its lost glory."

He said he would also be meeting the corporate leadersand other stakeholders in the civil aviation sector shortly,listen to their issues and seek their cooperation. "Theemployees and the corporates are like my two hands".

Asked about the problem of alleged cartelisation byairlines on airfares, Ravi said Patel had taken "very strongstep when there were complaints (of high fares). I will followhis footsteps and not allow such things to happen".

"Earlier, I used to watch things (in the sector) as apassenger. That experience will help me now (as a Minister),"he said.

The veteran Congress leader from Kerala said he wouldmeet the officials, the corporates in the sector and theemployees representatives before deciding on policy issues.