This refers to the article “Man of action chosen to rescue Air India” (August 19). Considering the present situation, it is naïve to believe that a bureaucrat will be able to turn around an airline with huge debt and accumulated losses in excess of Rs 22,000 crore. We must not forget that Air India has limited and unprofitable operations and a large workforce. Therefore, chances are that the new CEO may face stiff opposition to any drastic measures like reduction in workforce and may prefer making cosmetic changes that may further deteriorate the airline’s financial health. The aviation business is very competitive and risky. Thus, there is neither any financial wisdom nor business sense in the government’s decision to pour more tax payers’ money in such a company.
Narendra M Apte, Pune
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