Rajiv Bansal, who was additional secretary and financial advisor in the Petroleum Ministry, has taken up additional charge as Chairman and Managing Director (CMD). His appointment is very crucial as recently the Government has decided to privatize Air India and the modalities of which are being worked out. 

Rajiv Bansal replaced Ashwani Lohani who has been shifted to lead the Railway Board.

Bansal shared with LiveMint in a statement that, “I feel happy and proud to be given this opportunity to lead the national carrier. The company has been growing from strength to strength— inducting new aircraft and introducing new routes. We will plan to work on profitability with a missionary zeal, improve our on time performance and ensure customer satisfaction. I seek the support of all fellow Indians to fly Air India our national carrier - Air India Truly Indian.”

Bansal has been an IAS officer of the Nagaland cadre. He has served in the past served as director in the aviation ministry and was also part of board of directors of National Aviation Company of India Ltd. 

As reported by People Matters earlier, following the backlash over the government’s plans for privatizing Air India, chairman Ashwani Lohani beseeched the company’s employees to prepare themselves for the incoming ‘corporate culture’, in a letter addressed to them.   Last month, the Union Cabinet gave its in-principle approval for the disinvestment of Air India. A group of ministers, headed by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will soon convene to finalize the modalities of the move.