Flying’ MPs lend a hand to broke Air India

Even as Air India (AI) is begging the government for help, the country’s MPs are providing it succour, albeit indirectly. Their constant flights to Delhi and from Delhi on full-fare first-class tickets to attend the budget session is bringing in desperately needed cash for this airline.

Since AI is state-owned, it reserves seats for MPs on all flights to and from Delhi. The current session has upped passenger count during a traditionally lean season.
“Having VIPs and senior government officials on flights is a headache, but during lean times, they are a blessing as they pay the full-fare,” said an airline official who didn’t want to be named.

The month-long parliamentary session began on July 1. On most weekends, the MPs flew back to their constituencies (or to a airport near it) and took a return flight on Sunday.

There are over 500 MPs who fly frequently whenever parliament is in session. For each one, the airline reserves four first class seats on al 48 flights.

“These tickets are sold at full fare, which has no takers in the lean season. Instead of flying empty, it is good to have some MPs fill up these seats,” said the official.
The airline is fighting a battle for survival. Its external borrowing is increasing at the rate of Rs8 crore every day. The airline has sought a Rs15,000 crore bailout package from the government.

To increase its passenger load, the airline has persuaded the government to make the use of AI mandatory for all official tours in the country. The airline official said, “It will work both ways. The government will save money and the airline will gain a 15% increase in pas