Simply Fly: A Deccan Odyssey
Simply Fly is the inspiring story of Capt. G.R. Gopinath, a man who dared to dream big and revolutionized the Indian aviation industry. As the founder of Air Deccan, India’s first low-cost airline, Capt. Gopinath made air travel accessible to millions of middle-class Indians who had never set foot on an airplane before. Born in a small village in Karnataka, his journey from a rural childhood to becoming a celebrated entrepreneur is a remarkable tale of resilience, innovation, and vision. The book traces how Gopinath broke barriers and navigated the complexities of starting a business in an industry dominated by deep-pocketed competitors and stringent regulations.
Early Life and Entrepreneurial Spirit
The book begins with Gopinath’s humble upbringing in Gorur, Karnataka, where he was exposed to hard work and simple living. After graduating from the National Defence Academy (NDA), he served in the Indian Army for eight years. His transition to entrepreneurship started with a sericulture business (silk farming) followed by venturing into a motorcycle dealership and an eco-tourism resort. These ventures reflect his relentless pursuit of opportunities, even when faced with initial failures.
The Birth of Air Deccan
The heart of Simply Fly lies in the story of Air Deccan. Capt. Gopinath’s vision was clear: democratize air travel in India. He realized that the majority of Indians were priced out of flying due to the high costs of air tickets. Drawing inspiration from international low-cost carriers like Ryanair, he launched Air Deccan in 2003 with the motto “Simplify, Economize, and Democratize.”
The book details the challenges he faced, such as raising funds, convincing skeptical investors, and managing operational hurdles. Despite fierce competition and market resistance, Air Deccan’s innovative model of no-frills flying brought the dream of air travel to small-town India. Passengers could fly for as little as ₹500, a revolutionary concept at the time.
Triumphs and Setbacks
Gopinath candidly shares both the successes and the struggles of running Air Deccan. While the airline rapidly grew and became synonymous with affordable air travel, it also faced significant challenges, including rising fuel costs, infrastructural limitations, and intense competition. The eventual merger of Air Deccan with Kingfisher Airlines marked the end of an era, but Gopinath’s contribution to the aviation industry remains monumental.
A Larger Vision
More than just a business memoir, Simply Fly delves into Gopinath’s belief in creating social impact through entrepreneurship. His story is not just about building a successful company; it is about transforming an entire industry and touching millions of lives.
Conclusion
If you are fascinated by stories of resilience, innovation, and the grit required to disrupt industries, Simply Fly is a must-read. It offers valuable insights into entrepreneurship in emerging markets, particularly in a challenging and highly regulated sector like aviation.
For readers who enjoyed Simply Fly, other inspiring books to explore include Wings of Fire by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and Stay Hungry Stay Foolish by Rashmi Bansal, which also capture the entrepreneurial spirit and the courage to dream big.