Chennai man named AirAsia India chief

IANS/MumbaiAirAsia India yesterday appointed Singapore-based management consultant Mittu Chandilya as its chief executive officer (CEO), who promised to “revolutionise” the air travel industry in the country.“I am pleased to announce the board of AirAsia India has appointed Mittu Chandilya as CEO of AirAsia India,” tweeted Tony Fernandes, Air Asia’s Indian-origin founder and chief executive. “Mittu is coming home to change Indian travel and make it affordable for all Indians to fly,” Fernandes said.Added Chandilya: “I am a native of Chennai, and I am excited about returning to India to revolutionise the air travel industry there.” He will assume office next month. Fernandes, in a statement, described Chandilya, 32, as an “outstanding young man with great entrepreneurial skills,” who is “very passionate” about the LCC (low cost carrier) business and “possesses the crucial understanding on how our business model works.”“India is an important market for us,” said Fernandes, adding that a CEO of Mittu’s stature and business acumen would definitely help in attaining significant market share and achieving rapid growth in India. Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons Ratan Tata, too, complimented Chandilya and hoped his entry into the company will help the airline grow.“I am confident that Mittu will provide the leadership and bring to bear his entrepreneurial skills in successfully growing this new airline,” Tata said.