The government has decided to constitute an international advisory board for Air India (AI)

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to advise the national carrier on global service. Besides, seven independent directors will also be appointed to the airline’s board in the next seven days.

“There are several names being considered for directorships. The airline will have seven independent directors in seven days. We will also appoint a chief operating officer,” Civil aviation minister, Praful Patel, said on Wednesday.

While the names of the Infosys Technologies chairman N R Narayana Murthy, Tata Consultancy Services chairman and managing director S Ramadorai and National Knowledge Commission chairman Sam Pitroda are being considered for the management board, Ratan Tata and two former officials of the Lufthansa and Singapore airlines are being considered for the international advisory board. According to sources, Ratan Tata has already been approached by the ministry to head the advisory board. Patel, without denying the development, said “There are many names but we have not finalised yet.” The AI revamp plan comes after prime minister Manmohan Singh asked Patel to submit a restructuring plan in 30 days.

At present, there are 10 directors on the AI board including two government nominees, joint secretary Prashant Narain Sukul and E K Bharat Bhusan. The board can have a maximum of 15 members. According to a ministry official, there are four vacancies at the board of director’s level. Also, N Vaghul, ex-chairman of ICICI, is likely to leave as his tenure comes to an end.

The induction of seven directors may see some heads rolling in AI. Patel had, on Tuesday, hinted that there would be major changes at the top management in the next 30 days.