Mittu Chandilya named as CEO for AirAsia India

Mittu brings a unique mix of leadership experiences ranging from a successful entrepreneurial start-up, to country, regional and global leadership roles within multinational organizations and finally to high-impact management consulting experience. Mittu has always been a passionate follower of the aviation industry, and in his last role as Principal and Head of Services practice in Asia-Pacific at Egon Zehnder, took leadership in the Travel & Hospitality segment where his primary focus was Airlines and Aviation.

As a business and commercial leader, Mittu's key expertise include General Management experience in leading large and cross-functional organizations through start-up, turnarounds, emerging and mature markets growth, as well as leading, executing and integrating acquisitions. As a true ambassador of AirAsia's brand, Mittu embodies the culture and personality that makes AirAsia unique.

Mr Ratan Tata, Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons Limited commented, "I am extremely pleased that the Board of Directors of AirAsia India has appointed Mr. Mittu Chandilya as the CEO of the Company. I am confident that Mittu will provide the leadership and bring to bear his entrepreneurial skills in successfully growing this new airline in the Indian aviation space."

Group Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia, Tony Fernandes said, "He is an outstanding young man with great entrepreneurial skills. He is very passionate about the LCC business and possesses the crucial understanding on how our business model works. He came from a highly competitive industry and experienced different business temperaments by working in many parts of the world, so he's perfect for the ever-volatile aviation business. India is an important market for us, and a CEO of Mittu's stature and business acumen would definitely help us to attain significant market share and achieve rapid growth in India."

In accepting the appointment as CEO of AirAsia India, Mittu Chandilya said, "I am a native of Chennai, and I am excited about returning to India to revolutionize the air travel industry here. I am looking forward to being part of the dynamic AirAsia family, and most importantly, to bring a whole new meaning to the word 'flying' to consumers in India."

Mittu grew up in India, Africa and the USA and has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business and Economics (Dean's List) with a distinguishing triple major from Lehigh University, Pennsylvania, USA. Mittu also has MBA degrees from INSEAD, France/Singapore and from Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.

At present, AirAsia through its operations based in Thailand and Malaysia already connect Chennai, Bangalore, Thiruchirapalli (Trichy), Kochi and Kolkata to Asean and beyond.