Air India has begun a global hunt for a chief operating officer to streamline operations and help it come out of the financial mess that has led to accumulated losses of over $4 billion. "Preference will be given to those who are in the aviation industry or in the past had turned around the performance of a large organisation with manpower strength of over 1,000," said the state-run carrier's advertisement in newspapers like the Financial Times. The chief operating officer will be based out of the carrier's headquarters in Mumbai and report directly to the chairman and managing director. Air India did not indicate the pay package it was willing to offer but said it will be based on qualifications and experience. "Canvassing in any form is prohibited," said the airline, adding the contract will be for three years to begin with, which may be extended by another two based on performance.

Several Indian carriers, including Naresh Goyal-led Jetairways and Vijay Mallya's Kingfisher Airlines, have expatriates overseeing the operations as chief executives. The lookout for a chief operating officer was formally announced by Chairman and Managing Director Arvind Jadhav during his first press conference earlier this month as part of his turnaround strategy for the carrier over some 40 months. The civil aviation ministry has also recommended fresh government equity for the carrier for acquisition of new aircraft and to help in tiding over one of the worst crises it has ever faced. The ministry has, however, ruled out any dilution of shares it owns in the public sector company.


The all economy-class service provider Jet Airways Konnect moved a step closer to make a fresh start. Jet sets to offer a discount up to of 50% on its all domestic flights to woo fliers. Whether or not Jet Airways Konnect would have to work hard to salvage its image, yet like other airline majors, Jet airways has also come up with special fares to woo domestic fliers. Its upcoming fare plan is inclusive of basic fare and fuel surcharge, expect inclusive of Airport Development Fee, User Development Fee and passenger service fee. Currently, Jet Airways connects several destinations across India. This includes Kochi, Pune, Coimbatore, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Bhopal, Amritsar, Jorhat, Agartala and Guwahati together with five major India's metros - Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai.