The Maharaja and the lost kingdom

He once ruled the Indian airspace. He was a symbol of Indianness. The brand Maharaja took the national carrier to places. The brand helped it reach out to hearts of millions of Indians. He was one of the most recognizable mascot world over.
But ever since the Indian airspace was letup to private competitors the national carrier has shown signs of decline exposing its inefficient business model. Air India loses Rs 3000 crores every year. It has a poor crew/aircraft ratio of 209:1 with an industry standard of 150:1

The Maharaja has literally gone from riches to rags. Many opine that he is just another victim of inefficient government organizations management policy. Isn't it a serious issue with every govt organization falling one by one.

Politically dominated higher management endup inefficient in managing some important decision making moments. One simple suggestion one can make is to give more power to the top level management and making them less vulnerable to political influence.

With the aviation crisis deeply wounding the national carrier's ability to cope up with the market it definitely longing for some motherly act from the government. He is still thinking of the time when he used to reach out his customers with warmth and hospitality and the customers paid him back with smile.
Lets hope that our 'national carrier' continues to one with it's past pride and glory.

Air Force One - A flying bunker

Clearing one common misconception 'Air force one' is actually any air force plane that the president of United States boards. If he boards an army plane its called as the 'Army one'. 'Air Force one' is just the radio name used to identify that the plane the president is on board.

But there are two aircrafts usually used for this purpose. Both are Boeing747s but they are modified extensively in their interiors. Internally it looks like an office space with comfortable seats except for its seat belts.
It has the following splits

• A staff area
• A galley
• A conference and dining room
• The president's suite and office
• Space for the service crew to ride and sleep

Along with its unconventional passenger space, Air Force One has a lot of technology that sets it apart from a normal jetliner

Some of the most interesting parts of the plane -- it's advanced avionics and defences which are classified. But the Air Force asserts the two planes are definitely military aircraft, designed to withstand an air attack. Among other things, the plane is outfitted with electronic counter measures (ECM) to jam enemy radar. The plane can also eject flares to confuse the heat seeking missiles.
Another special addition is the in-flight refueling connection.
The onboard electronics include about 238 miles of wiring (twice the amount you'd find in a normal 747). Heavy shielding is tough enough to protect the wiring and crucial electronics from the electromagnetic pulse associated with a nuclear blast.

In advance of every Air Force One flight, the Air Force crew sends C141 Starlifter cargo carrier planes, toting the president's motorcade, to the destination. This collection of bulletproof limousines and vans, loaded with weaponry, keeps the president safe on the ground.

AirForce one is a symbol of luxary the president of United States of America enjoys. But it does sounds reasonable for the amount of money spent to safe guard the first man of that country. It is a flying bunker and one can say that it is less vulnerable than many of the ground ones.

Well, if United States is far ahead, India is atleast trying to catch up. Indian Airforce have given a thought to the fact that Indian PM or President don't have a special flight to travel in. There were news that they are planning to induct two military certified aircrafts. Hope they are inducted by now...!