The Hindu Business Line : Search on for AI’s next Chairman

New Delhi, Dec. 25 The search for the next Chairman and Managing Director of Air India has begun with the Government seeking applications from eligible persons for the post.

The search has begun almost three months before the current incumbent, Mr V. Thulasidas, is to retire in March next year.

Work assigned

The new CMD will hold charge for a tenure of five years or up to the age of superannuation. He would oversee all activities of the company including personnel, financial and commercial, corporate planning and project planning.

The new CMD would be joining at a time when Air India is facing competition both domestically and internationally with the Government allowing many more private sector airlines to operate not only within India but also fly abroad.

National Aviation CMD

The person chosen for the post would be the CMD of National Aviation Company of India Ltd, a 100 per cent Government owned company, which was operationalised in August this year following the merger of Air India and Indian. It has been entrusted with the job of providing passenger and cargo services in India and abroad and operates under the brand name Air India.

The company has a staff strength of 33,000, expects to report a turnover of around Rs 15,000 crore and to have a fleet of about 140 aircraft making it one of the largest airlines in Asia.