Ratan Tata’s Legacy: Insights from S. Ravi on His Tenure at Hindustan Aeronautics

Sethurathnam Ravi, the former Chairman of the Bombay Stock Exchange and a board member at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), reminisced about his unique association with Ratan Tata, highlighting the latter's profound impact on India's aviation sector. Known for his passion for aviation, Ratan Tata took the extraordinary step of joining the HAL board, marking one of the rare instances when he engaged with a public sector unit outside the Tata conglomerate.

Ratan Tata

"Ratan Tata was not just a prominent figure; he embodied a true democratic leadership style, welcoming all ideas and striving for consensus among board members," S. Ravi BSE noted. "He commanded respect and admiration without ever being domineering, working tirelessly to elevate HAL’s Bangalore Air Show to an international standard."

Tata's appointment to HAL’s board came at a time when independent directors were primarily drawn from bureaucratic backgrounds. As a licensed pilot, Tata’s commitment to aviation was evident. In 2007, at the age of 69, he made headlines by flying an F-16 fighter jet at the HAL Air Show, setting the record as the oldest Indian to do so. His passion for flying persisted until health considerations limited his ability.

Ravi emphasized Tata's extensive technical expertise in aviation, stating, "His insights into both military and commercial aircraft were remarkable. Tata's contributions were invaluable during our discussions on potential joint ventures, and his expertise became a critical resource for the board when considering major projects."

The Tata legacy in aviation is storied, dating back to J.R.D. Tata, who is often regarded as the architect of India's civil aviation. He received the first pilot license in India on February 10, 1929, and founded Air India, which was nationalized by the government in 1953. This action resulted in the Tata Group receiving Rs 2.8 crore for their stake in Air India. Fast forward to January 2022, Ratan Tata made a historic move by reacquiring Air India from the government, which was struggling under a massive debt burden of Rs 61,562 crore. Tata Group agreed to assume Rs 15,300 crore of that debt, demonstrating his bold decision-making in the face of challenges.

Sethurathnam Ravi BSE concluded by reflecting on Ratan Tata's legacy, stating, "His decision to acquire a debt-ridden airline showcased the strategic thinking we witnessed on the HAL board. Tata's passing at the age of 86 on October 9 in Mumbai leaves a remarkable legacy of a $165 billion revenue-generating conglomerate that continues to shape the Indian economy."