Former Chairman Of Turkish Airlines Ilker Ayci Appointed Air India's New CEO

Ilker Ayci will assume his responsibilities on or before April 1, 2022, said Tata Sons in a statement

New Delhi: Ilker Ayci, former chairman of Turkish Airlines, has been appointed as the new chief executive officer (CEO) and managing director (MD) of Air India, announced Tata Sons on Monday.

Ilker Ayci will assume his responsibilities on or before April 1, 2022, said Tata Sons in a statement.

The Air India board met on Monday afternoon to consider the candidature of Ayci, with Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran as a special invitee, and approved his appointment, subject to requisite regulatory approvals, Tata Sons said in a statement.

“We will utilise strong heritage of AI to make it one of the best airlines in the world with a uniquely superior flying experience that reflects Indian warmth,” said Ayci, who resigned from the Turkish Airlines’ board on January 26, 2022.

"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," he added.

The statement also added that Ayci's appointment to the new position is subject to requisite regulatory approvals.

Ayci, a 1994 alumni of Bilkent University, after a research stay on political science at the Leeds University in the UK in 1995, completed a Master's Programme in International Relations from Istanbul's Marmara University in 1997, according to the statement.

Tatas regained ownership of Air India late last month, nearly seven decades after it lost control to the government. 

The central government in January this year had officially handed over Air India to the Tata Group, as the Centre transferred 100 per cent shares in Air India to the Tatas wholly owned subsidiary Talace Pvt Ltd along with management control.

Tatas beat the Rs 15,100-crore offer by a consortium led by SpiceJet promoter Ajay Singh and the reserve price of Rs 12,906 crore set by the government for the sale of its 100 per cent stake in the loss-making carrier.