The Tata Group officially took control of Air India today, saying they were “Totally delighted that Air India’s takeover process is complete”. While they set their plans, to make Air India a “world-class airline“, in motion, there are a few key areas the Tatas have already decided to focus on. 

Improving on-time performance report

After coming on board, the first focus area for the Tatas is to improve the on-time performance of Air India, as per ANI reports. Notably, the airline has earned some bad rep for not always operating on time. Timely flights and ancillary operations will be carefully monitored. 

Bringing down operational costs

N Chandrasekaran, the chairman of Tata Sons, has said that the group will also focus on bringing down operational costs while improving the airline’s performance. This is a bid to restore the national carrier to its former glory days. 

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Other changes 

As for airline changes, the group plans to alter seating arrangements and the cabin crew dress. Further, Tata wishes to focus on improving the quality of inflight meals. Business Standard reported an Air India official stating that a recorded message from Ratan Tata would be played for passengers on board. 

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100-day improvement plan

Ahead of the finalization of the handover, the Tata group had already prepared a 100-day improvement plan for the airline. This includes addressing issues regarding passenger complaints, and call-centre related matters. 

Economic Times had reported a person close to the plans, saying, “As part of the 100-day plan, the aim is to improve basic service standards. While these issues cannot be improved completely during the first 100 days, improvements can happen. Also, these numbers (on-time performance, passenger complaints, etc.) are reported monthly, and any improvement will be for everyone to see”.

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While Tata takes complete control of Air India after 69 years, the company will not be retaining non-core assets like the Air India Building at Nariman Point, Vasant Vihar Housing colony of Air India, Mumbai, and Air India Building in New Delhi.