Air India sale to Tata Sons is hailed by one and all

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After many debacles in the past, the government is finally successful in selling the bleeding Air India. The airline returning to its original owner, the Tata group, after 68 years is welcomed by one and all. From corporate chieftains to powers that be, all expressed satisfaction and the hope that the airline will back to its glory sooner than later.

Ratan Tata, chairman emeritus, Tata Sons, the holding company of Tata group, tweeted, “ Welcome back Air India.”  Mr J R D Tata would have been overjoyed if he was in our midst today,” he said.

On an emotional note,  Air India under the leadership of J R D Tata had, at one time, gained the reputation of being one of the most prestigious airlines in the world. Tatas will have the opportunity of regaining the image and reputation it enjoyed in earlier years,” he tweeted.

Air India was founded in 1932 by by JRD Tata. Nearly two decades later, the airline was nationalised by the then government in 1953. JRD Tata, however, remained at the helm of the Air India till 1977.

Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said in a tweet, “Air India’s return to the Tata group marks a new dawn for the airline! My best wishes to the new management, and congratulations to DIPAM Secretary and the Civil Aviation Ministry for successfully concluding the difficult task of paving a new runway for the airline to take off!”

India Today quoted him as saying: “It has been a long process and journey for Air India. I wish the new owners all success in regaining the airline’s place in the customer’s hearts.”

Ajay Singh congratulates Tata on winning the bid

Earlier, disclosing the name of the winner for buying out Air India, Tuhin Kant Pandey, secretary, department of investment and public asset management (DIPAM) said, “Talace Pvt Ltd won the bid to own 100% of government stake in Air India.”  DD News later quoted him as saying that  financial loss, employee welfare are among many factors that will improve with this decision on Air India.

Low-cost carrier SpiceJet’s CMD Ajay Singh in a statement said: “I congratulate the Tata Group on winning the bid for Air India and wish them all the success. It was my honour and privilege to be shortlisted for bidding for Air India. I am confident that the Tata Group will restore the glory of Air India and make all of India proud.” Ajay Singh had put in a bid of Rs 1,5100 crore for Air India.

Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran called it a “historic moment”. He exuded confidence that the Tata group will strive towards building a world-class airline. “It’ll be our endeavour to build a world-class airline which makes every Indian proud,” Chandrasekaran said on winning Air India bid.

Replying to Rata Tata’s tweet, Mahindra Group chariman Anand Mahindra said, “ I think this divestment amounts to a reset of the Indian business environment.”

Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma said “Tata family will leave no stone unturned in making us all proud with Air India”.

“Extremely happy that GOI is finally selling Air India.I am also thrilled it’s going to the Tatas. The legacy relationship ensures, better than any contract or business plan can, which will create value in the long term by being good to employees and to customers,” executive director, Indian Express, said.