I have flown Air Deccan all across the country, many, many times and I must say my experience was pretty, pretty good. What people fussed over were trivials without realising that they were paying on Rs 2000 odd for a fare that was normally worth Rs 10,000.
The crafts were always good, and the pilots excellent. The food and drinks served inside were very well priced and affordable.
Regarding delays, its all rubbish. When there was fog, every airline delayed. It had become a habit to criticise Deccan and I have come across many Deccan baiters who have actually never flown Deccan but had "heard" from their best friend, etc.
Captain Gopinath has been to civil aviation industry what Dhirubhai Ambani had been to telecommunication. He brought aviation to the masses and you can thank him every time you fly the Indian skies cheap. Given the ways of Indian airlines, Jet and Kingfisher, they would strip you naked for flying.
The only airline who has the possibility to fill Deccan's slot is Indigo. I hope for the sake of Indian customers, Indigo retains its identity, brand and corporate philosophy.
Captain Gopinath should indeed be rewarded with a national honour for bringing a wonderful concept to India. He may have failed in the long run but he has given a new direction. Thanks to him, I have been to different parts of India which I would have never been able to travel otherwise.
