Ilker Ayci, former chairman of Turkish Airlines, has
been appointed as the CEO and MD of Air India on Tuesday after the Tata Sons
owned airline’s board met on Monday afternoon to consider his candidature.
Among the notable names who attended the meeting was Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran.

Also Read: Who is Ilker Ayci?

Ayci will take charge of Air India on April 1, 2022.

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“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.

An ecstatic Ilker said he is “delighted” and
“honoured” to get the charge of Air India and he “will utilise the strong
heritage of Air India to make it one of the best airlines in the world”.

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“I am delighted and honoured 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
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,” said Ilker Ayci.

Born in Istanbul in 1971, Ayci studied political
science and public administration at Bilkent University. He is a 1994 batch
alumnus of the university.

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After research on political science at the Leeds
University in the United Kingdom in 1995, he completed an International
Relations Master’s program at the Marmara University in Istanbul in 1997.

The government in October last year had announced that
Tata Sons won the bid to acquire debt-laden national carrier Air India for Rs18,000
crore. The amount includes payment of Rs 2,700 crore in cash and take over Rs 15,300
crore of the carrier’s debt.

Also Read: Ratan Tata welcomes Air India passengers with special message. Read here

Along with Air India, Tatas acquired low-cost carrier
Air India Express and Air India’s 50% stake in equal joint venture AISATS.

Besides, non-core assets of Air India, including land
and building, valued at Rs 14,718 crore, are also being transferred to AIAHL.
Further, liabilities of Rs 15,834 crore towards dues to operational creditors,
like those for fuel purchases, as of August 31 would be transferred to AIAHL.

Also Read: Tata buys Air India: What in-flight changes to expect

In December 2021, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved Tata
Group’s acquisition of Air India, Air India Express and Air India SATS Airport
Services.