Welcome to the future of Air India: Maharaja's tomorrow rides on its legacy

Jitender Bhargava, former executive director of Air India, says the Tatas need to concentrate on three Ms to turn the airline around: Manpower, machinery, and marketing

“Dear guests, this is your captain speaking. Welcome aboard this historic flight, which marks a special event. Today, Air India officially becomes a part of the Tata Group again, after seven decades… Welcome to the future of Air India! We hope you enjoy the journey. Thank you.”

This was the welcome announcement in all Air India flights on Friday, as the airline went ‘back home’ to the Tatas. While regular fliers and employees heave a sigh of relief, the  salt-to-software conglomerate has its work cut out for the coming years.

The airline that took off in 1948 was soon nationalised in 1953