Setback for Tata as Ilker Ayci declines AI offer

IN what can possibly delay Tata Group’s herculean task to turn around loss-making Air India, Ilker Ayci, who was all set to steer the newly privatised airline, has declined the offer of Tata Sons to be the Managing Director (MD) and Chief executive officer (CEO).

- ARSHAD KHAN

Since his name was announced by the Tata Group on February 14, there were wide speculations that the Indian government would go through a rigorous process to give Ayci necessary clearances, which generally are formalities, on the back of his close ties with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is also considered as a close ally of Pakistan.