New Delhi: Tata Sons on Monday announced the onboarding of former chairman of Turkish Airlines Ilker Ayci as chief executive officer and managing director of Air India. He will assume his responsibilities on or before 1 April, Tata Sons said.

"The board after due deliberations approved the appointment of Ilker Ayci as the CEO & MD of Air India. This appointment is subject to requisite regulatory approvals," Tata Sons said in a press statement.

The Air India board met on Monday to approve the candidature of Ilker Ayci. Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran was a special invitee to this board meeting.

"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," said N Chandrasekaran on Ayci's appointment.

Recently, Tata Group has officially taken over Air India from the government. Tata Sons is the holding company of the business conglomerate.

"I am delighted and honored to accept the privilege of leading an iconic airline and to join the Tata Group," Ayci said. "Working closely with my colleagues 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."