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.”
He will assume his responsibilities on or before April 1, 2022, Tata Sons said.
Ilker Ayci was born in the city of Istanbul, Turkey, in the year 1971. He graduated from Bilkent University in Turkey and then worked as a researcher in Leeds University in the UK. completed a Master’s degree in International Relations from Marmara University in Turkey in 1997.
Ayci was previously the Chairman of the Republic of Turkey Investment Support and Promotion Agency in 2011. It’s the official organisation in charge of promoting Turkey’s investment opportunities to the international business community.
“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.
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.
