Unforgotten Brands: Air Deccan

Captain Gorur Ramaswamy Iyengar Gopinath, widely known as Captain Gopinath, was born on November 13, 1951, in the small village of Gorur in Karnataka’s Hassan district. Raised in a middle-class family, his father, Gorur Ramaswamy Iyengar, was a school teacher, and his mother’s family included the renowned novelist Ramaswamy Iyengar, fondly known as ‘Goruru.’ Despite the family’s financial struggles, education remained a cornerstone of their values.

Gopinath’s early education journey was unconventional. He enrolled directly in Class Five at a Kannada-medium school due to family constraints. However, his determination paid off in 1962 when he cleared the entrance exam for Sainik School in Bijapur. This institution set him on a path to the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA) in Pune, where he underwent rigorous training. After three years at NDA, he proceeded to the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun.

Military service and early ventures

Gopinath served in the Indian Army for eight years, during which he participated in the 1971-72 Bangladesh Liberation War. However, at the age of 28, he decided to retire early, choosing to explore new horizons beyond the military. His post-army life began with a focus on sustainable agriculture, particularly sericulture, to support poor farmers.

Following this, Capt. Gopinath dabbled in various business ventures, including a motorcycle dealership named Malnad Mobikes and a hotel in Hassan. These endeavours lay the groundwork for his eventual foray into the aviation industry.

The birth of Deccan Aviation

In 1997, Gopinath co-founded Deccan Aviation, a charter helicopter service catering primarily to the wealthy and VIPs. This venture marked his initial step into aviation, but Gopinath’s ultimate dream was to make air travel accessible to all.

In 2003, he launched Air Deccan, India’s first low-cost airline, with a mission to democratise air travel. On August 25, 2003, Air Deccan’s inaugural flight took off from Bengaluru to Hubbali. By offering affordable tickets, the airline made flying a reality for millions of Indians who had never imagined stepping onto an aircraft.

Revolutionising Indian aviation

Air Deccan’s low-cost model was a game-changer, inspiring a wave of similar airlines such as SpiceJet, IndiGo, JetLite, and GoAir. By 2005-2006, Air Deccan experienced a 30% growth in passenger numbers, becoming India’s third-largest airline with a 19% market share.

Capt. Gopinath’s vision extended beyond serving the elite. He wanted to cater to everyday Indians—the office cleaning staff, autorickshaw drivers, and others from humble backgrounds—making their dream of flying a reality. His efforts helped transform India’s aviation landscape, bringing air travel within reach of the common man.

Challenges and setbacks

Despite Air Deccan’s success, the airline faced significant financial challenges. By 2007, the company reported losses of ₹213 crore for the quarter ending March 31. Struggling to keep the airline afloat, Capt Gopinath made the tough decision to sell Air Deccan to Vijay Mallya. Gopinath rebranded the airline as Simplify Deccan, and by August 2008, he integrated it into Kingfisher Airlines’ reservation system, subsequently transforming it into Kingfisher Red.

Reflections and regrets

Years after selling Air Deccan, Capt Gopinath publicly expressed regret over the decision. He criticised Mallya for mismanaging the airline, admitting that he should have trusted his instincts and retained control. Despite this setback, Gopinath’s pioneering efforts left an indelible mark on India’s aviation industry.

Legacy of Innovation

G.R. Gopinath’s journey is a testament to resilience, innovation, and the power of dreaming big. From his humble beginnings in a small village to his groundbreaking work in aviation, he revolutionized airline travel in India. His story continues to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs and serves as a reminder of the impact one visionary can have on an entire industry.

Air Deccan revolutionized air travel in India by making it affordable and accessible. Its innovative model not only reshaped the industry but also inspired a generation of low-cost airlines, transforming the way Indians travelled.