The Tata-owned Indian national carrier, Air India, on Monday announced the appointment of Ilker Ayci as its CEO and MD with effect from April 1, 2022. Prior to joining the airline, he was the Chairman of Turkish Airlines.
A press release from Tata Sons said the decision was made this afternoon during the board meeting involving N Chandrashekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons.
Born in 1971 in Istanbul, Ayci graduated from Bilkent University’s Political Science and Public Administration Department in 1994. After completing a research stay in political science at Leeds University in the United Kingdom in 1995, he completed an International Relations Master’s degree at Marmara University in Istanbul in 1997.
On Ayci’s appointment, Chandrashekaran said, “Ilker is an aviation 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.”
On this occasion, Ayci said, “Working closely with my colleguess 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.”