IndiGo and Air India were engaged in a advertisement war at the Mumbai airport after the Maharaja decided to up its game against the best performing airline in the industry.
It all began last Saturday with Air India's ads, which said, "Wish you a comfortable flight. Next time fly with Air India and feel the difference". The boards were put up at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (CSIA) check-in counters.
The ad referred to the hot meals, extra legroom and more baggage allowance that AI offers its flyers.
Two days later, IndiGo put up placards at its check-in counters with a message: “Yes, Air India, there is a difference. Says the Government.” The placards mentioned that Air India had the worst on-time performance and the highest number of passenger complaints among all airlines.
Air India wrote to Mumbai International Airport Limited for removal of IndiGo's placards.
Seeking the IndiGo ads' im mediate removal, AI says: "You are requested to kindly advise IndiGo Airlines for removal of these placards on urgent basis. We request for your assistance in the matter." IndiGo did not comment on this issue.
Air India said IndiGo's advertisement put the national carrier in poor light. Air India said it had not targeted any airline. IndiGo removed its placards and put up the same message on a wall panel next to the Air India advertisement.
In a statement to Business Standard, Air India Chairperson Ashwani Lohani said: “We are trying to project Air India for what it is — the real comfort level, the warmth, good leg space, great food and extra baggage space.”
