New merged state-owned airline to take off soon

24 March 2007

Mumbai: A new airline, combining state-owned carriers Air-India and Indian, is expected to take off within a fortnight. The new brand name, mascot and logo as well as the appointment of key officials like chairman and managing director will be finalised in two weeks' time.

"The process of consultation is going on... The entire process has to be completed within 16 weeks from the day of the (cabinet) decision. The post (of the chief) will come into place within the next fortnight and it will be chairman and managing director," civil aviation minister Praful Patel told Karan Thapar in an interview to be broadcast on television channels CNN-IBN and CNBC on Sunday

A new chief executive for the yet-to-be named entity will be announced by April 5, Patel said, adding, " The issues of brand name, mascot and logo of the merged entity would also be finalized."