Indian Airlines’ (IA) improved physical performance such as an 8.97 per cent increase in the available-tonne-kilometres and an 11.85 per cent jump in in revenue-tonne-kilometres have helped the airline to contain its loss to Rs 195.56 crore during 2002-03 compared to Rs 246.75 crore during the previous fiscal.“The load factor of the airline has went up by 2.7 per cent during 2002-03 whereas, the company could achieve a 2.33 per cent increase in the number of passenger carried,” an IA official said after IA shareholders formally adopted the audited balancesheet at the annual general meeting held on Friday.The company has also informed its shareholders that the jet engine overhaul complex is gearing up with repair station manual and the certification process is likely to be completed during the next 8-9 months.“This approval will enable IA to take up engineering jobs for other airlines, which will help it to bring additional revenue in terms of forex,” he said, adding, “the better performance is due to improved physical performance and strict control measures undertaken by Indian Airlines”.The airline’s on-time performance went up for 2002-03 at 77 per cent from 60 per cent the previous fiscal. The technical despatch reliability during the year ended March 31, 2003 was 98.76 per cent against 98.55 per cent the previous fiscal. “The despatch reliability of Airbus A-320 fleet was maintained at 99.2 per cent, bettering Lufthansa, Air France, United Airlines and Air Canada,” he said, adding the IA was adjudged the best airline by Airbus Industries in terms of utilisation of A320 aircraft.
