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'I want to give the Maharaja his lost crown'

Onkar Singh in New Delhi

Civil Aviation Secretary K Roy Paul, who was appointed part-time chairman of Air-India on Wednesday, said that his main task would be to restore the lost glory of the Maharaja.

Speaking to rediff.com, Roy Paul said that he would formally assume charge after his return from London where he would be going to attend an Air-India roadshow.

"I would attend the roadshows in Delhi and London before I go to Mumbai and formally take charge of the office," he said.

Asked if the appointment came as a surprise, Roy Paul said that the Cabinet Committee of Appointments had ratified his appointment. "Only, a formal notification was issued today (Wednesday). Of course, I am happy with the responsibilities that I have been entrusted with," he added.

He said that his top priority would be to turn Air-India around and make it a profitable venture.

"On April 1, the Union Minister for Civil Aviation Syed Shahnawaz Hussain had announced a profit of Rs 340 million (Rs 34 crore) for the year 2001-2002. This was possible because Air-India had managed to pay off its debts and there were no new acquisitions," he said.

Under the new dispensation, Air-India will operate on new routes once new aircraft join the present fleet.

He also did not rule out the possibility of reopening those sectors that had been shut down by Air-India recently following September 11 attacks which led to large-scale cancellations by tourists on many international airlines, including Air-India.

According to him, Air-India earned marginal profits on the Haj routes. "I hope we would be able to have higher volumes of traffic on Air-India and give passengers good service and earn profits in the bargain. I want to give the Maharaja his lost crown," he added.

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