Remembering Late Ratan Tata’s passion for flying

Ratan Tata, a philanthropist, visionary businessman and former chairperson of Tata Group, passed away on October 9, 2024 at the age of 86, leaving a remarkable legacy as high as his aviation ambitions.

Being a trained pilot with a licence to fly, Late Ratan Tata’s love for aviation knew no bounds. Tata’s love for flying began as early as the age of 17 years. Some say he shared this passion with Jehangir Ratanji Dadabhoy Tata, who was known as the father of civil aviation in India.

Turning his dream into reality, visionary JRD Tata founded Air India in 1932 as Tata Airlines, a subsidiary of Tata Sons. However, the airline was nationalised in 1953 as the newly-formed Indian Government did not permit private sector airlines then. 

If JRD launched Air India into the skies, it was Ratan who brought the airline back home. 

After a long bidding process in October 2021, Tata Group won the bid to acquire 100 percent stake in Air India for ₹18,000 crore. This marked a new beginning for the carrier, whose financial health had deteriorated over the period of 69 years. 

After almost seven decades as a government-owned enterprise, Air India and Air India Express were returned to its founders in January 2022, and once again became Tata-owned airlines. Soon, plans were set into motion to invest heavily in upping the fleet and boosting the service quality. 

In less than a month, Airbus debuted the Airbus A350, the company’s newest long-range aircraft in Mumbai. It was an opportune decision because Air India desperately needed new planes under its new leadership. 

Known for his love of aviation, Ratan Tata attended the event and even participated in a demonstration flight despite his frail health. Veteran pilots who accompanied Tata were impressed by his extensive knowledge and passion for flying, adding that he was adamant about continuing to fly in spite of his health issues, according to a news report.

Under his leadership, Tata also ventured into new airline partnerships, notably with Singapore Airlines to establish Vistara in 2013. This joint venture was envisioned to bring world-class service and a premium flying experience to Indian travellers, setting a new standard in domestic aviation. Vistara quickly gained recognition for its quality, earning numerous accolades and a loyal customer base.

Additionally, Tata’s collaboration with AirAsia to launch AirAsia India showcased his strategic approach to catering to the low-cost carrier segment. This venture aimed to enhance connectivity across the country, making air travel more accessible. 

Through these initiatives, Ratan Tata has significantly shaped India’s aviation landscape, blending innovation with a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. 

Tata debuted on Instagram to reminisce about his career in December 2019, and shared a snapshot of ride in the fighter jet with a caption that read – “It’s not just the end of a year, but the end of a decade, too.” 

The leader of the salt-to-software conglomerate was the first civilian to fly an F-16 (Fighting Falcon) during the Aero India Show held in Bengaluru in 2007. He even co-piloted the combat aircraft, belonging to the US Air Force’s Bloc 50, for close to 40 minutes. 

This feat allowed Ratan Tata to become the oldest Indian to fly the American-made aircraft at the age of 69 years, a report said. Moreover, he also owned a $22 million-worth Dassault Falcon 2000 private jet, which he sometimes took out for a spin.

Ratan Tata’s aviation career, from flying combat jets to commercial jets, is a reflection of his unwavering pursuit of perfection and his sense of adventure in all facets of his life. His contributions, as a businessman and passionate pilot, has given wings to India’s aviation goals. 

In the end, one can truly say that Tata was more than just a business icon, he was a compassionate leader who cared deeply for societal issues and inspired millions all whilst building an empire.