New Delhi, Jan. 19: The minister of overseas Indian affairs, Mr Vayalar Ravi — who was given additional charge of the civil aviation ministry on Wednesday — said his main priority areas were to make sure that national carrier Air India overcomes its financial crisis, apart from making sure that all airlines operate flights on time.

“I will focus on two areas as a priority. I will focus on customer service to passengers and airlines should operate flights on time. I also want Air India to overcome its financial crisis. I will meet the employees of Air India and appeal to the workers of the national carrier to help me find a solution to the problems faced by the airline,” said Mr Ravi, outlining his plan of action.

Expressing happiness at being given the additional charge of the civil aviation ministry, Mr Ravi said, “I’m grateful to the Prime Minister and the Congress president for placing so much of confidence in me.”

Mr Ravi also expressed confidence that he would have enough time for the additional responsibility of the civil aviation ministry despite already heading the overseas Indian affairs ministry.

Mr Praful Patel, who held the aviation portfolio for six-and-a-half years before the reshuffle, was elevated to the Cabinet and allocated the ministry of heavy industries and public enterprises.

When asked about the transition, Mr Patel said in jest, “After the civil aviation ministry, everything else will seem less glamorous.”

However, he pointed out that it was important to move on to other ministries because of the experience such an assignment would bring.

Mr Patel was constantly in the limelight in the past few years but this may no longer be so, given that his new ministry is not considered very high-profile.

“I have left a good legacy. The aviation sector is now out of the recession and there is once again tremendous growth in air-traffic,” Mr Patel said.