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.”
Acknowledging the appointment, Ayci said he is “delighted and honoured to accept the privilege of leading an iconic airline and to join the Tata Group”, which recently acquired the country’s flag carrier”.
“Working closely with my colleagues at AI and the leadership of 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 added.
Born in Istanbul in 1971, Ayci was once the Advisor to the country’s current President, R.T. Erdogan, when the latter was the Mayor of Istanbul.
(With inputs from agencies)
