Air Asia India names Ratan Tata as chief advisor, S Ramadorai as chairman

Low-cost carrier Air Asia, which yesterday announced Ratan Tata, chairman emeritus of Tata Sons, would be the chief advisor to the board of the airline, today named former TCS managing director and CEO S Ramadorai as the chairman of its Indian operations, which is slated to be rolled out by the end of this year.

Ramadorai was at the helm of Tata Consultancy Services, India's largest software exporter, for over a decade till 2009.

''I would like to confirm Mr Ramadorai as chairman of Air Asia India. A giant of Indian Industry. A great thinker. Man from the south,''  Air Asia chief Tony Fernandes announced on micro-blogging site Twitter.

''That completes our team. Advisor, chairman, chief executive officer and board. Quite a heavyweight team for super exciting AirAsia India,'' he added.

On Sunday, the airline had announced Ratan Tata would be chief advisor to the board of its Indian venture, even as it promised 'nano' airfares when it commences operations.

''Persuading Tata to be advisor has not been easy. Critical, we have someone of his massive experience to help me chart AirAsia India with Mittu (Chandilya) and myself,'' Fernandes said on Twitter.

Tata retired as Tata group Chairman in December 2012. AirAsia is widely expected to bring in competitive pricing in the Indian aviation market, once it begins in service later this year.