Air India Appoints Ex-Aviation Secretary P.S. Kharola as Advisor, Signalling Closer Govt-Airline Coordination

Air India has appointed former Civil Aviation Secretary Pradeep Singh Kharola as Executive Advisor to the Chairman, in a move that signals deeper alignment between the Tata-owned carrier and the government on regulatory and strategic fronts. Kharola, a 1985-batch IAS officer, brings extensive experience in aviation policy, having overseen key reforms and navigated the sector through critical phases, including the early stages of Air India’s privatization process.

His return to Air India is being seen as more than a routine advisory role. Industry observers suggest the appointment could facilitate smoother coordination between the airline and the Ministry of Civil Aviation, particularly at a time when India’s aviation sector is expanding rapidly and grappling with infrastructure constraints, bilateral rights negotiations, and evolving regulatory frameworks.

Kharola’s familiarity with both bureaucratic processes and sectoral challenges positions him as a bridge between policy formulation and corporate execution. His presence is also expected to help Air India align its expansion strategy including fleet induction, international route optimization, and airport partnerships with broader national aviation priorities.

The development underscores a growing convergence between state policy objectives and Air India’s long-term growth trajectory.