New Stars in the Sky

New Stars in the Sky
When low cost carriers appeared on the Indian aviation scene in the late 1990s, they heralded the start of a trend (Aviation: Low Cost Rules, BT cover, July 11) towards cheaper air travel. Today, LCCs have become dominant players on many routes and they are making the aviation industry more competitive and consumer-friendly.

— Vineet Achyut, Delhi

With Flying Colours
Budget carriers like SpiceJet, IndiGo and GoAir are doing exceedingly well in terms of market share and load factors. Their market share for FY 2009-10 stood at around 34 per cent, compared to full service carriers 57 per cent. If our policymakers can make it easier for budget carriers to operate on parameters like fuel prices and airport charges, India has the potential to become one of the lowest-cost aviation markets in the world.

— Neeraj Thakur, Pune

Better Services
Low cost airlines are gaining in popularity but poor on-board and customer services remain passengers' most pressing concerns. I recall reading about a passenger who, on reaching the airport, came across a lady ground staff from a budget airline making announcements on the public address system, then move on to check passengers' boarding passes and finally, going to the aircraft on tarmac to collect the stubs. Unable to contain himself, this passenger enquired — much to the lady's embarrassment — whether she would also be part of the crew!

— Shashi Shekhar, Bangalore

No Saviour of the Environment
Ayodhya Rami Reddy's dream (Waste King Wants More, BT, July 11) of becoming a billion-dollar player in waste management fails to inspire. Instead of following outmoded waste management methods like incineration, which only exacerbate pollution levels, Reddy's company, Ramky, should achieve some tangilbe environmental goals and invest in cleaner technology and recycling projects.

— Vamsi Mohan, Hyderabad

Picky About Jobs
India's Top Recruiters (BT cover, June 13) offered a timely and revealing account of the changing mindset of job aspirants today. As increasing numbers of job seekers place more emphasis on job profile, brand value of the company and career growth opportunities, these attributes are viewed as being more important than fat pay packets and perks.

— J.S. Broca, Delhi

Traction for the Truck Industry
Daimler's Made for India Mission (BT, June 13) offers fresh insight into the state of the truck industry in India. I am sure the entry of international players like Daimler India Commercial Vehicles will go a long way in meeting the demands of this sector, which badly needs infusion of fresh technology and new players.

— B. Rajasekaran, Bangalore