A Maharajah in free fall: Why Air India cannot be run as a public sector organisation

Air India, a brand that fuels emotions and stirs nationalism, is easily one of the most well-known global brands from India. And why not, with a network of over 70 domestic and 40 international destinations, it is an airline with a reach.

Except for the last decade and a half or so, Air India was always regarded as a great airline. This national carrier of India was well known for its service to passengers, with its Maharajah logo being an apt icon. Sadly its sheen faded of late, because of the downslide the airline witnessed – in its finances, market share and services – since the turn of the millennium.