Air India CMD Rohit Nandan to stay till Aug next

Air India Chairman and Managing Director Rohit Nandan’s services were on Monday extended till August next as the government appeared to have reversed its earlier decision to find a new boss for the national carrier.

“The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the extension of tenure of Rohit Nandan as CMD till 21.08.2015 or till the appointment of a regular incumbent, whichever is earlier,” a government order said.

Nandan, a 1982-batch IAS officer, is credited with improving the performance of Air India. “Profitability and customer service (are my priorities for the next year),” Nandan told Deccan Herald when contacted.

Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju had been batting for Nandan’s extension though the Prime Minister’s Office was keen to replace him. Nandan, who was appointed Air India CMD in 2011, had led the airline’s entry into the coveted Star Alliance recently though the international grouping had earlier denied Air India a seat.