New Delhi, March 2 -- Aloke Singh, credited with transforming Air India Express from a niche state carrier to a private-sector player, will step down as managing director and chief executive officer on 19 March. His departure marks the end of a five-year stint that covered the airline's sale to the Tata Group and its merger with AIX Connect.

Air India Express is Air India's low-cost subsidiary.

Singh did not name a successor but said captain Hamish Maxwell, who was the MD's adviser, will take over as accountable manager, a regulatory role responsible for ensuring the airline's safety oversight and operational standards.

The company is yet to formally announce a successor for the chief executive role.

Singh took charge as chief executi...