INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Ilker Ayci will assume his responsibilities on or before April 1, 2022, Tata Sons said.New Delhi: Tata Sons on Monday appointed former
Chairperson of Turkish Airlines Ilker Ayci as the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Air India
"The board after due deliberations approved the appointment of Ilker Ayci as the CEO - MD of Air India
This appointment is subject to requisite regulatory approvals," Tata Sons stated in a release.On Mr Ayci's appointment, Tata Sons Chairman
N Chandrasekaran, said, "Ilker is an aviation industry leader who led Turkish Airlines to its current success during his tenure there
We are delighted to welcome Ilker to the Tata Group where he would lead Air India into the new era.""The Air India Board met to consider the
Mr Chandrasekaran was a special invitee to this board meeting," the release added.He will assume his responsibilities on or before April 1,
2022, Tata Sons said."I am delighted and honored to accept the privilege of leading an iconic airline and to join the Tata Group
Working closely with my colleagues at Air India and the leadership of the Tata Group, we will utilize the strong heritage of Air India to
make it one of the best airlines in the world with a uniquely superior flying experience that reflects Indian warmth and hospitality," Mr
Ayci said.Recently, Tata Group has officially taken over Air India from the government.Air India is the third airline brand in the Tata
Group's stable -- it holds a majority interest in AirAsia India and Vistara, a joint venture with Singapore Airlines Ltd.Tata Sons is the
holding company of the salt-to-software conglomerate.At present, Air India controls over 4,400 domestic and 1,800 international landing and
parking slots at domestic airports as well as 900 slots abroad.Tatas had set up Tata Airlines in 1932, which was later -- in 1946 -- renamed
The government had taken control of the airline in 1953, but JRD Tata continued to be its chairman till 1977
The handover marked the homecoming of Air India to Tatas after 69 years.
