Good times, past time

Dear Mr Mallya,

Mahesh VijapurkarCongratulations on acquiring Air Deccan''s 26-per cent stake, for Rs550 crore, which is small change for an industrialist like you. I wish you luck with your expanding reach in the aviation sector.

But, excuse me. I cannot cheer you on.

My reasons are simple. You are sending my personal travel budget askew – or, going by latest accounts, soon will. With one move, you delivered a fell blow to my concepts of good times which vary from yours. My idea of good times is to travel on a clean plane, on time, cheap and to my favourite destinations. Capt. G. R. Gopinath managed to meet most of my needs, save the occasional delayed departures.

Now you have come on the scene, held a press conference in Mumbai and told me that fares would soon rise on the flights operated by Air Deccan. You also told me that you are "in business to make profits." You followed it up with an argument that you do not believe in low-cost operations and running at losses and for that it the fares have to go up, so be it."

Though, Mr. Mallya, being what you are – a member of the standing committee of Parliament on civil aviation – you can change all that. But you have shown no inclination to head that way. I shall touch on those options presently.