Harpreet A De Singh Becomes First Woman CEO To Head An Indian Airline

Air India appointed Harpreet A De Singh as CEO of its regional subsidiary Alliance Air, making her the first female head to lead an Indian Carrier. As Singh moves to her new post, Nivedita Bhasin will replace her as Air India’s Executive Director of flight safety. The Chairman and Managing director of Air India, Rajiv Bansal issued the appointment order for Singh on Friday which stated that she “will hold the charge of Alliance Air CEO post till further orders,” as quoted by TOI. 

Back in 1988, Harpreet A De Singh was appointed as the first woman pilot by Air India. However, due to health issues, she wasn't able to fly but since then has been very active in the area of flight safety. Singh also headed the Indian Women Pilot associations.

Also Read: First Batch Of Indian Navy’s Three Women Pilots Ready For Maritime Reconnaissance

Air India has the highest number of women pilots among all Indian carriers. The airline also has the highest average of women pilots in the world at 10 percent, as against the global average of two-three percent. Last year on International Women’s Day, Air India flew 12 international flights as well as 40-plus domestic flights with an all-women crew.

What You Should Know:

• Air India has appointed Harpreet A De Singh as CEO of Alliance Air.
• This makes Singh the first female boss of an Indian Carrier.
•  Harpreet A De Singh was the first woman pilot appointed by Air India.
• Air India has the highest number of women pilots across all Indian carriers.

Also Read: Shivangi Singh To Be First Woman Pilot To Join Rafale Fleet for IAF

It also must be mentioned that Alliance Air is not being sold off with the Air India-AI Express AISATS and will remain a PSU. However, Air India’s oldest Boeing 747s will be transferred to Alliance Air, if the airline gets a buyer and is privatised.

Image Credit: India Today

Arunima Sharma is an intern with SheThePeople.TV.