Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran Commits to Elevating Air India into a Top-Class Airline

Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran expressed a strong commitment to elevating Air India to a premier global airline. The Tata Group acquired Air India in 2022 for Rs 18,000 crore. Chandrasekaran shared these insights during a conversation with TVS Supply Chain Solutions Ltd Managing Director Ravi Viswanathan at the Global Alumni Meet of NIT Trichy.

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Chandrasekaran stated, "My commitment is to take every effort to make Air India, an absolute top-class airline in the world. In terms of the hardware, the flight experience, customer experience, technology and in every which way." He also humorously urged attendees to encourage Boeing and Airbus to expedite aircraft deliveries as per Air India's orders.

Aircraft Orders and Delivery Challenges

Air India has placed significant orders for new aircraft, totalling 470 planes. This includes 250 from Airbus and 220 from Boeing. In December 2024, they ordered an additional 100 wide-body A350s and 90 narrow-body A320s, including A321 neos. Chandrasekaran highlighted the importance of timely delivery to enhance Air India's fleet.

During the discussion, Chandrasekaran also addressed the semiconductor industry. He noted Tata Sons' substantial involvement in this sector, with an investment of approximately USD 18 billion in precision manufacturing and semiconductor assembly and testing. He emphasised the potential for growth in this field.

Semiconductor Industry Prospects

The Tata Group plans to have its semiconductor fabrication facility operational by 2026. Chandrasekaran mentioned that building a comprehensive ecosystem is crucial for success in this industry. He predicted that thousands of companies would emerge within the next 18-24 months as part of this ecosystem.

Chandrasekaran stressed the need for a focused approach and government policy support in the semiconductor sector. He called for increased investments and research efforts, involving academic institutions to drive progress in this field.

The Tata Group's initiatives reflect their strategic focus on both aviation and semiconductors. These efforts aim to position them as leaders in these industries while contributing to India's technological advancement.