I am not an
economist. I am not sure what this means to Indian economy and finally affects
a common man. I can assume a very little, considering huge sums in several
political scams. However, having flown KingFisher during Good Times, would like
add a fact for the record: Dr. Mallya tried his level best to introduce world
class Air Travel Service in India and succeeded to great extent despite losses.
He even sold his family silver for a loss making Airlines to keep afloat in the
skies, for us to have a 5 star flying experience.
I am not a
shrewd businessman. However, I strongly feel that buying off Air Deccan and
paying huge sums was his only and greatest
mishap in running KingFisher. He made business loss there. Mind you, he brought
better service flying those Deccan Aircrafts, re-painted and re-branded and
almost for the same cost for an Indian Air traveler and adding the world class
service that he always believed an Indian should experience during an Air
Travel. He is the best host that an Indian businessman can ever be or can ever
become. Period.
As far business loss and settling with banks, I
do not know any details and cannot comment. One thing, if any, I have to
criticize strongly against Dr. Mallya is – KingFisher not having paid the
employees. Whatever the excuse, the employees should have been paid and Dr.
Mallya, in exile or not, should arrange to pay the outstanding salaries to the
employees. Once done, he is as good as or, in most ways, a better businessman
India ever had who treated his customers as guests who visited his home.
