Which professional airline executive would desire to step into the quagmire that is Air India, knowing fully well that the babu interference is never going to stop, being so seeped into the culture as it is.

Mentioned this in other thread, and I might be in a minority here; but the best way is to let this strike continue, that will take care of Air India, the brand and the airline. Retire some of the ancient airframes, sell off the remainder to Jet and Kingfisher, if the two airlines can raise equity to make those purchases. Divide up the route authorities between the two Airline's and let them fly the skies.

Air India is never going to reach its glory days while it remains a Government owned/Government Controlled airline. And no amount of private management is going to get rid of the unionized, job for life, sarkari naukri culture that is prevalent through the rank and file.