Prior to this appointment, he was joint secretary in the Commerce Ministry.
Mohapatra, an IAS officer from Gujarat cadre, has extensive experience in power sector, urban development and industry.
In a release today, state-owned AAI said Mohapatra has taken over as the new chairman.
Among others, he has served as Managing Director of Gujarat Alkalies and Chemicals Ltd (GACL), Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers Company Ltd (GNFC) and as Municipal Commissioner in Surat from 1999 to 2002.
In March, then AAI chairman R K Srivastava was suddenly removed from the post. Since then, AAI Member (Planning) Sudhir Raheja was given the additional charge as chairman.