Session Six :

Executive leadership interview: New JetLite CEO, Mannu von Lueders

Changes at JetLite's helm: Reinventing business model innovation through new leadership

The interview session with Mannu von Lueders gave an insight into JetLite's new business model innovations and future expansion strategies under the new leadership. In the session, Lueders highlighted that the acquisition of Air Sahara by Jet Airways has led to changes in the new emerging airlines under Jet Airways wing, leading to changes in the airlines working culture and model. Excerpts of Lueders comments during the interview:

While Low Cost Carriers (LCCs) in Europe are adding some Full Service features in business category, the Full Service Carrier (FSC) is moving towards LCCs features. As a new CEO there has been a lot of activity in the company. JetLite will soon become a stable and reliable airline. We will get rid of the classics very soon and focus on safety, quality and reliability.

The airlines today have to be proactive and not reactive. Though, theoretically this industry seems to be process driven, practically this is not the case. For being successful in a market, an airline has to focus on on-time performance and work not only inside the company but influence external factors as well. In India pricing is very critical, with fuel prices going high, a very effective revenue management is needed. The airline has two strong factors, namely a highbred distribution model and distribution through GDS. The fact that we have good network and schedules is a legacy from Air Sahara. Currently we have price, schedules, on-time performance and flexibility and are on our way to be the best or one of the best.

Our strategy is to grow with the same number of people. It's a matter of attitude, priority and effective management. We just need to fulfill the basic requirements; the rest can be fulfilled by the owners. The question here is how to merge and avoid disadvantages. Market should start learning how aviation industry works in a harmonious way. People are very quick to learn. But eventually fares must be covered with the cost. But that's not something new for India, it happens everywhere.