Former chairperson of Turkish Airlines Ilker Ayci appointed as Air India’s new CEO

February 14, New Delhi: Tata Sons on Monday announced the appointment of former chairperson of Turkish Airlines Ilker Ayci as the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Air India.

On Monday noon, the Air India Board met to consider the candidature of Mr Ayci.
Mr N Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, was a special invitee to this board meeting.

Mr 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.”

According to a press release by Tata Sons, “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.”

“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 on the occasion.

He will assume his responsibilities at Air India from April 1, 2022.

Recently, Tata Group officially took over Air India from the government.