Ilker Ayci, the new CEO and MD of Air India

Former Turkish Airlines chairman Ilker Ayci has been appointed as Air India’s CEO and MD. Following the takeover of Air India by Tata Sons, Ilker Ayci was named as the airline’s first Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director. Ilker Ayci will assume his responsibilities on or before April 1, 2022.

The Air India board of directors met this afternoon to discuss Ilker Ayci’s candidacy. The board meeting was attended by N Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons. After extensive discussion, the board approved the appointment of Ilker Ayci as CEO and MD of Air India. “This appointment is subject to regulatory approvals,” the Tata Group said in a statement.

“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,” N Chandrasekaran stated.

Ilker Ayci was born in the Turkish capital, Istanbul in 1971. He completed his bachelor’s degree in political science and public administration from Bilkent University in 1994. He completed an International Relations Master’s degree at the Marmara University in Istanbul in 1997 after a research stay in political science at Leeds University in the United Kingdom in 1995.

Ayci, who was appointed chairman of Turkish Airlines in April 2015, resigned at the end of January.

“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 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,” Ayci said.