Indian on a charm offensive

Indian Airlines is all set for a face-lift. The cabin crew's traditional sari uniform may give way to trendier skirts or trousers and frequent flyers could be welcomed on board personally by name. You could also check in and even get your luggage checked in from home.

The airline is also revamping the interiors of the new aircraft joining its fleet.

For its new uniform the airline is trying out a host of designers and will take a final call soon.

"A number of designers are working on it. We are looking at various options. It will not be forced on the cabin crew but will be an option for them," said an Indian Airlines executive.

To improve customer relations, the airline will soon put in place a passenger services software that will enable it to identify not just frequent flyers but even passengers who have flown the carrier just once. This, according to the airline's executives, will help Indian Airlines offer better services to its customers.

The latest software solution will also allow passengers to check in and print boarding passes from home or office besides allowing them to check in baggage by printing a baggage tag.

The airline will handle your luggage once you are at the airport, including security clearances. It will also permit web check-ins as well as self-service check-ins at specific Indian Airlines kiosks.

Companies like Sabre, SITA, Amadeus, EDS and Lufthansa Systems are in the fray to bag the contract to implement this software solution. Indian Airlines claims it will be the first airline in the country to offer these services.

Once implemented, the software will also allow the airline to identify a customer the moment he makes a call to the airline. This will help the airline offer services such as the passenger's seating and food preferences, reservation preferences and services on board.

The software solution will also help make online booking more user-friendly. It will include flexible, multiple-sector booking, re-routing, revalidation and best fares. The system will also facilitate ticket booking through mobile phones and automated teller machines.