N Chandrasekaran | ‘Top priority right now’: Amidst Air India crisis, Tata Group chairman N Chandrasekaran takes charge of day-to-day airline operations |
Air India plane crash: N Chandrasekaran, Tata Group‘s chairman, has taken direct control of Air India’s daily operations following the recent Ahmedabad plane crash that has presented a major challenge for the conglomerate. His current responsibilities include managing crucial aspects such as government relations, safety assessments, aircraft maintenance, and staff welfare, all while under substantial public attention.Historical precedents show Tata chairmen taking direct control during crises. Examples include J.R.D. Tata managing the 1989 Tata Steel fire response. A former Tata Group director told ET that Ratan Tata personally handled both the Tata Finance scandal and the 26/11 Taj Hotels terrorist attacks. Chandrasekaran’s previous role at TCS demonstrated his crisis management abilities.Sources told the financial daily that Air India’s CEO Campbell Wilson is collaborating with N Chandrasekaran on strategic planning and regulatory matters. The present circumstances demand swift action and detailed management, tasks that Chandrasekaran is equipped to handle given his extensive experience with Tata.Also Read | ‘Violation of standard airworthiness…’: Days before Air India crash, DGCA warned airline of breaching safety rules on Airbus aircraft: ReportAir India currently demands the highest attention, according to a group official, who noted that the chairman primarily works from the airline’s headquarters. “It needs focused attention and swift, independent decision-making-something only the group chairman can currently provide.” The official stressed the significance of collective dedication to rebuilding confidence and restoring Air India’s reputation.Campbell Wilson is conducting meetings with division leaders and implementing a comprehensive safety operations assessment. “The CEO is also the point person for all interactions with government organisations like the DGCA and AAIB,” according to an insider. He is supervising the airline’s network operations during this disruption and developing emergency protocols. Wilson, who was travelling to Paris when the Ahmedabad incident occurred, immediately diverted to Ahmedabad to support the cabin crew’s family.Chandrasekaran is working on establishing a trust to assist the families affected by the crash. Sources indicate uncertainty regarding the creation of a separate trust for victims of other nationalities.Sources indicate that the Tata Group must now address the substantial challenge of restoring public trust and strengthening staff confidence during a period of unprecedented public scrutiny.The Air India Boeing 787 accident in Ahmedabad on June 12 resulted in 241 fatalities aboard, including 12 crew members, plus 33 ground casualties. Air India has committed to providing ₹1 crore compensation to each bereaved family.Also Read | Air India plane crash: 787 Dreamliner is Boeing’s flagship product – 10 things to know about aircraft model involved in Ahmedabad crash
