Ilkar IC, a Turkish national, has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director (MD) of Indian airline Air India. He is the former head of Turkish Airlines, a Turkish airline. On Monday (February 14), Tata Sons announced the name of Ilkar IC as the new CEO of Air India.
This information was given by the Indian media NDTV in a report on Monday. Ilkar can take over as CEO of IC Air India on or before April 1 this year.
In a statement on Monday, Tata Sons said, “After due discussions, the board has approved the appointment of Ilkar IC as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director (MD) of Air India.” Necessary approval is awaited to finalize the appointment.
In a separate statement, Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran said, “Ilkar IC is a leader in the aviation industry. During his tenure, Turkish Airlines has achieved great success. We are delighted to welcome Ilkar to the Tata Group. He will take Air India into a new era.
Ilkar IC’s response to joining Tata Group is’ proud to have the opportunity to work for an ‘iconic airline’ like Air India. At the same time happy. I will work closely with colleagues at Air India under the leadership of the Tata Group.
Ilkar also said that he would use its ‘heritage’ to build Air India as one of the best airlines in the world.Ilkar IC was born in 1981 in Istanbul, Turkey. After graduating with a degree in political science, he studied public administration at Bilkent University. He later studied political science at the University of Leeds in Britain.
In addition to Turkish Airlines, Ilkar IC has held other important positions, including the head of several organizations such as the World Association of Investment Promotion Agency, the Republic of Turkey Investment Support and Promotion Agency.
Air India, India’s state-owned airline, was recently handed over to the Tata group. However, apart from Air India, the group is also a major partner of Vistara and Air Asia. After almost 69 years, the arrival of Air India under Tata is considered a historic achievement. The entire management of Air India was handed over to the Tata Group in exchange for Tk 16,000 crore.
Tata Sons Air India was officially acquired in January, the day after India’s Republic Day. And now with the new CEO and Managing Director, the company hopes to go one step further towards success.