Former chairman and managing director, V Thulasidas may be roped in to be a crucial member of the international advisory panel which national carrier Air India plans to set up. Earlier, the name of Tata Group chairman Ratan Tata has been doing the rounds of heading the panel which is meant to streamline AI?s international operations.
Thulasidas, however did not confirm the news. He said, ?I am not aware of such a development.? But insiders at AI maintain that given his expertise in aviation and the airline, Thulasidas is a strong contender to be a part of the panel.
On July 25, AI?s newly appointed CMD, Arvind Jadhav will present a re-structuring plan of the carrier to a committee headed by Cabinet secretary K.M. Chandrasekhar, with members including finance secretary Ashok Chawla, civil aviation secretary Madhavan Nambiar, and T.K.A. Nair, principal secretary to the prime minister.
Nacil (National Aviation Company of India Ltd) which owns AI wants to bring in international business practices to run the loss-laiden carrier which has posted losses of Rs 5,000 crore for FY08-09. The role of the panel would be to reduce operating costs and to monetize the huge assets the carrier has. Also, to rationalise loss-making international routes and suggestions to create new a hub globally.