After being with the airline industry for the past 35 years, Peter Leuthi, chief operating officer, is all set to take on Jet Airways with gusto. In conversation with Charmaine Fernz, he talks about the future strategies to be adopted for the airline. Excerpts

What are the business strategies lined up for the coming year?
At the outset, a business plan has to be established for the airline. This plan would encompass a three-fold strategy - current business year, medium and long term plans. Regulatory work with regards to the feasibility of the annual budgets and streamlining processes would be next. We are contemplating going international. We are also aware of rules pertinent to domestic carriers but government policies need to be liberalised as they stifle the industry of progress. There is tremendous drive in Jet as a carrier and India has to recognise this potential. We are also looking at optimising our routes and fleets.

Are there expansion plans with regards to fleet or new destinations?
At present, we are analysing all our fleet and gauging their potential. We are conducting a research on the capability and connectivity of all the destinations we fly. This is being done to bring about perfection in our network module.

How does Jet deal with competition?
Competition is inevitable in the airline industry. However, we are watchful over our competitors. One also has to realise that besides the promotional fares and schemes, it is the market share that needs to be gauged. Jet so far has had a decent market share. We make sure we have control on our systems and even though, we have launched promotional campaigns, it is in careful consideration of the customer and trade. The tariff schemes need to give the customer a feeling of progression and that is where our targets lie.

Would a low cost carrier work in the Indian market? Comment
Indian customers expectation for the standard of service is very high. To bring in a low cost carrier would need a lot of consideration and survey of the markets one want to serve. The proposition sounds difficult at this point of time for India. In India, there are a number of factors like high fuel costs, aircraft leasing, expensive engineering parts and a lot more that do not work in favour of introducing a low cost carrier. But one need not rule out the possibility.

What are your views on Jet going international and the proposed ground handling at the airports? Comment
We did make a presentation to the government for the ground handling. But we are still awaiting the answer. Jet certainly has the capacity to provide convenient and better facilities. This does not disregard the fact that Indian companies are doing justice to ground handling. But internationally, it is fact that if a carrier does five per cent of the traffic, they should conduct the ground handling operations.

On the international scene, Jet has the capability to serve India in the long run, as India will play an increasing important role globally. So, eventually the government should realise this potential and open up.