NEW DELHI: As a young 23-year-old, N Chandrasekaran’s first flight was on Air India in 1986 like most contemporary Indians at that time. Now, 36 years later Chandra (as he is known) as Tata Sons’ chairman heads the group that owns the airline.
In a “welcome back” message to AI employees after taking over the airline, he said: “I, like many others, have enjoyed reflecting on stories from the airline's brilliant past. My first flight was with Air India in December 1986, and I will never forget how special it felt to be onboard, or the exhilaration as we soared into the sky. Such memories are wonderful, but now is the time to look ahead.”
“Today is the beginning of a new chapter. The entire nation's eyes are on us, waiting to see what we will achieve together. To build the airline our country needs, we need to look to the future. I write this letter on behalf of the Tata Group, to welcome you to our family,” he said.
“Our Group has its own storied past. I have learned that to preserve what is best about the past, requires constant change. It is by evolving, adapting and embracing the future that we best honour a glorious history. I am convinced that the golden age of Air India lies ahead. Our journey towards it starts now. Welcome. And welcome back.”
He said the one word on everyone’s lips is homecoming. “We are proud to welcome Air India back into the Tata family, after all these years.”
