Chandra asks Air India staff to control costs, improve services

MUMBAI: Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran on Friday asked Air India employees to focus on cost control, improve services and "stay grounded" in the reality of the challenging situation, while reiterating the group's continued commitment to the airline.

Addressing an employee town hall at the Air India Group's headquarters in Gurugram, Chandrasekaran said, "While our future is bright and we have laid a solid foundation for our ambition, we are going through a challenging time, the impact of which is most visible in the airline industry."

Chandrasekaran reaffirmed that the Air India board remains "committed" to the carrier and will continue to work closely with its management team.

What matters now is staying focused on execution, he said, adding that "our focus should be on what is within our control, where we can improve, be precise on costs and remain grounded in the reality of the situation".

The town hall meeting came in the backdrop of Air India CEO and MD Campbell Wilson quitting the airline, much ahead of the completion of his service contract with the Tata Group airline.

Campbell, who announced his resignation on April 7, had a service contract of five years with the airline, which was supposed to end in July next year.

"The Tata Group remains committed to the Air India group. The board is fully supportive and will continue to work closely with the management team," Chandrasekaran said, reaffirming the group's backing of Air India.



Air Indians have shown great "tenacity" in dealing with a perfect storm, and "we must continue with the same spirit that has been demonstrated," he said.
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