The appointment of Ilker Ayci as chief executive and managing director of the Indian flag carrier quashes speculation that former British Airways boss Alex Cruz was set for the role.
Ayci was chairman of Turkish Airlines, prior to which he was on the board of directors of the company.
Natarajan Chandrasekaran, chair of the board of Tata Sons, Air India’s new owners following privatisation in January, 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.”
Ayci will oversee Air India, Air India Express and the ground handling business AI Sats and be tasked with returning it to profitability.
