<p>Former British Airways chairman and chief executive officer, Alex Cruz, denied a media report which said he was likely to be the new CEO of Air India.</p>.<p>“Whilst it is very nice to be mentioned as a candidate for roles as important as this one, I can confirm that I am not a candidate nor have I been,” the aviation veteran told <em>DH </em>in an email.</p>.<p>Earlier on Thursday, <em>The Times of India </em>had reported that Cruz, who had rich experience of heading both full service and low-cost airlines, may helm the Indian airline which was recently bought by Tata Sons.</p>.<p>“We have no comments to offer at the moment,” Tata spokesman Harsha Ramachandra said in a reply to an email seeking comment on the original media report.</p>.<p>Tata took control of the debt-laden state-run carrier last month, winning back ownership after nearly seven decades. It was launched in 1932 by J.R.D. Tata., a legendary industrialist and India’s first licensed pilot.</p>.<p>The new chief of Air India faces the mammoth task of turning around a debt-laden carrier, with old aircraft, a huge workforce and falling market share. But the carrier still controls prime slots at airports in India and abroad.</p>.<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/business/business-news/epfo-onboards-air-india-takes-into-fold-7453-airline-employees-for-social-security-benefits-1075952.html" target="_blank">EPFO onboards Air India, takes into fold 7,453 airline employees for social security benefits</a></strong></p>.<p>Tata Sons is looking for someone with international experience to lead Air India.</p>.<p>“It is very clear that they want to get somebody who has a strong understanding of international airlines and a very strong appreciation of what the global customer needs,” said Mark Martin, chief executive at aviation industry consultancy Martin Consulting LLC.</p>.<p>The incoming CEO of Air India will have to find ways to focus on regaining a global foothold and take control of markets where it lost out to Middle Eastern airlines.</p>.<p>“That’s where the bread and butter revenue comes in,” Martin said. “So, again, go back to where the Indian diaspora is.”</p>.<p>The new leader will also have to help the airline “expand organically to what Air India was back in the 50s and 60s”, Martin said.</p>.<p>He sees the new CEO getting ample freedom to decide on Air India’s future journey.</p>.<p>“The Tatas have always given enough leverage and leeway to whoever wants to run their ventures,” Martin said. “They are not going to micromanage.”</p>.<p><strong>Watch the latest DH videos:</strong></p>
<p>Former British Airways chairman and chief executive officer, Alex Cruz, denied a media report which said he was likely to be the new CEO of Air India.</p>.<p>“Whilst it is very nice to be mentioned as a candidate for roles as important as this one, I can confirm that I am not a candidate nor have I been,” the aviation veteran told <em>DH </em>in an email.</p>.<p>Earlier on Thursday, <em>The Times of India </em>had reported that Cruz, who had rich experience of heading both full service and low-cost airlines, may helm the Indian airline which was recently bought by Tata Sons.</p>.<p>“We have no comments to offer at the moment,” Tata spokesman Harsha Ramachandra said in a reply to an email seeking comment on the original media report.</p>.<p>Tata took control of the debt-laden state-run carrier last month, winning back ownership after nearly seven decades. It was launched in 1932 by J.R.D. Tata., a legendary industrialist and India’s first licensed pilot.</p>.<p>The new chief of Air India faces the mammoth task of turning around a debt-laden carrier, with old aircraft, a huge workforce and falling market share. But the carrier still controls prime slots at airports in India and abroad.</p>.<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/business/business-news/epfo-onboards-air-india-takes-into-fold-7453-airline-employees-for-social-security-benefits-1075952.html" target="_blank">EPFO onboards Air India, takes into fold 7,453 airline employees for social security benefits</a></strong></p>.<p>Tata Sons is looking for someone with international experience to lead Air India.</p>.<p>“It is very clear that they want to get somebody who has a strong understanding of international airlines and a very strong appreciation of what the global customer needs,” said Mark Martin, chief executive at aviation industry consultancy Martin Consulting LLC.</p>.<p>The incoming CEO of Air India will have to find ways to focus on regaining a global foothold and take control of markets where it lost out to Middle Eastern airlines.</p>.<p>“That’s where the bread and butter revenue comes in,” Martin said. “So, again, go back to where the Indian diaspora is.”</p>.<p>The new leader will also have to help the airline “expand organically to what Air India was back in the 50s and 60s”, Martin said.</p>.<p>He sees the new CEO getting ample freedom to decide on Air India’s future journey.</p>.<p>“The Tatas have always given enough leverage and leeway to whoever wants to run their ventures,” Martin said. “They are not going to micromanage.”</p>.<p><strong>Watch the latest DH videos:</strong></p>