Ilker Ayci turns down MD & CEO role by Air India

Ilker Ayci, the former chairman of Turkish Airlines, has turned down Tata Sons’ offer to become Air India’s new CEO. On February 14, Tata Sons; announced that Ayci, the former chairman of Turkish Airlines, as the CEO and Managing Director of Air India.

“I have come to the conclusion that it would not be a feasible or an honorable decision to accept the position in the shadow of such a narrative,” Ayci said in a statement seen by Bloomberg.

Ilker Ayci was to take the position by April 1

On or before April 1, the former Chairman of Turkish Airlines was to join Air India as CEO. Ayci had conveyed his joy at joining 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,” he said earlier this month.

Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran had 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.”

Last Friday, however, the RSS-affiliated Swadeshi Jagran Manch opposed the appointment. They asserted the government should not give its permission to Ilker Ayci’s appointment, “keeping in view national security”. When raised a question about the rationales for the SJM’s opposition, they maintained that it is a national security issue.

Ayci has served as chairman of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee of Turk Hava Yollari Anonim Ortakl, also known as Turkish Airlines, since 2015. He has previously worked in a variety of fields, including financial firms and insurance corporations.

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