Arvind Jadhav on Monday took over as the chairman and managing director of National Aviation Co (Nacil), which operates national carrier Air India.
A 1978 batch IAS officer of the Karnataka cadre, Jadhav was officially named for the post May 1. Prior to this, he was principal secretary of the Karnataka government's infrastructure development department.
He played an active role in introducing the public-private partnership (PPP) model to develop the Bangalore International Airport Ltd, a greenfield airport project.
Jadhav took charge from EK Bharat Bhushan, who was heading the aviation company for an interim period after the government, unhappy with the performance of Air India, removed the chairman Raghu Menon from the post last week.
However, the government is yet to decide on Menon's new role. Currently, he is on leave till late next month, said an Air India spokesperson.
The change at the helm has come in the backdrop of Air India's falling market share even though it is going through a major fleet expansion programme to induct 111 new Boeing and Airbus aircraft over the next few years.
The company has sought Rs.2,500 crore from the government in the form of equity and soft loan to finance its fleet expansion programme.
{{/usCountry}}The company has sought Rs.2,500 crore from the government in the form of equity and soft loan to finance its fleet expansion programme.
{{/usCountry}}According to Air India officials, Jadhav has been appointed for three years.
Before his stint in Karnataka, he was with the central government as a joint secretary in the power ministry. Jadhav has also served as central vigilance officer with Gas Authority of India, Air India said in a statement.
The new Air India chief holds post-graduate diplomas from the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade and the Italian Institute of Foreign Trade, Rome.