Ratan Tata, who passed away recently, had a deep passion for flying that was closely tied to the Bombay Flying Club (BFC) in Juhu. The BFC, founded in 1928 by JRD Tata, India’s first licensed pilot, held a special place in Ratan Tata’s heart. As the president of the BFC, I had the honor of flying with him on our modern glass cockpit aircraft, witnessing his love for flying firsthand.
During the years of 2008 to 2016, I flew with Tata on many occasions and saw his genuine curiosity and technical knowledge. He had a remarkable understanding of flying and was always eager to learn something new during each flight. Even though he never found the time to fly the refurbished Piper Super Cub himself, a cherished possession of BFC, he always took a keen interest in inspecting the aircraft’s restoration process.
Tata’s dedication to aviation went beyond his personal interests. Through the Tata Memorial Trust, he provided scholarships for aspiring commercial pilots at the BFC, showing his commitment to nurturing young talent in the aviation industry. His involvement in the creation of Vistara and investments in AirAsia India further solidified the Tata Group’s presence in the aviation sector long before the acquisition of Air India.
The Tata family’s connection with the BFC dates back to its founding by JRD Tata, with his sister, Sylia, even becoming India’s first woman pilot. Over the years, many Tata family members, including Ratan Tata, maintained a strong bond with the club and the aviation industry as a whole.
As someone who comes from an Air India family, I was thrilled to see the Tata Group regain ownership of the national carrier, a move that honored the airline’s legacy. Ratan Tata’s vision for Indian aviation and his contributions to the industry will always be remembered, shaping the future of aviation in India for generations to come.
