Air India returns to Tata Group

January 28th 2022

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Air India's near seven decades in government hands ended yesterday when ownership of the flag carrier was formally transferred to Tata Group. Read More » Senior officials of the Indian government and Tata met at Airlines House in New Delhi to celebrate the deal, while Tata Sons chairman, N. Chandrasekaran, visited India Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, at the PM's official residence to mark the landmark occasion. "We are excited to have Air India back in the Tata Group and are committed to making this a world-class airline," Chandrasekaran said. "I warmly welcome all the employees of Air India to our group and look forward to working together." Tata launched Tata Airlines in 1932, which would later become Air India. In 1953, the Indian government nationalised the carrier. Last October, the Tata conglomerate was named as the successful bidder for 100% of Air India, 100% of LCC, Air India Express, and 50% of the airport services provider, Air India SATS, after submitting a 180 billion rupee (US$2.4 billion) bid for the group. Tata Sons already holds a controlling equity in Vistara, a joint venture with Singapore Airlines Group, and a majority shareholding in AirAsia India, a joint venture with AirAsia Group. Media reports have indicated the Malaysia-headquartered company is planning to sell its remaining holding in the LCC to Tata.