Tata Sons has announced that Turkish businessman Ilker Ayci has been appointed CEO and MD of Air India. The appointment comes two weeks after Tata Group took over Air India from the government.
A statement by the group said that after “due deliberations”, the board approved the appointment of Ayci, who was until recently the chairman of Turkish Airlines.
“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,” said N. Chandrasekaran, chairman of Tata Sons, who was a special invitee to the board meeting.
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“I am delighted and honoured to accept the privilege of leading an iconic airline and to join the Tata Group,” said the 51-year-old Ayci.
“Working closely with my colleagues at Air India and the leadership of the Tata Group, we will utilise 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.”
Ayci is also on the board of the Turkish Football Federation, Turkish Airlines Sports Club and TFF Sportif Anonim Sirketi and Member of The Canadian Turkish Business Council and a Member of the U.S.-Turkey Business Council, according to The Wall Street Journal.
He was chairman of Turkish Airlines from 2015 until last month. He previously served on the board of the airlines.
The statement said that Ayci will assume his responsibilities on or before April 1, 2022.
