NEW DELHI– The Tata Group has begun the process of identifying a new chief executive officer to lead Air India, as the airline faces mounting challenges following last year’s Ahmedabad plane crash and struggles to achieve a financial turnaround at the expected pace after its privatization.
People familiar with the matter said Tata Group Chairman N. Chandrasekaran has already held preliminary discussions with potential candidates who have experience managing large airlines. The move comes at a time when Air India is navigating operational disruptions, safety concerns, and rising costs.
Current CEO Campbell Wilson, whose contract runs through mid-2027, is also reported to be disinclined to continue in the role, according to sources. Any leadership transition is expected to be amicable.
A key factor behind the planned change is the airline’s likelihood of missing its March 31 break-even target. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad in June 2025 dealt a significant blow to Air India’s revival plans and intensified scrutiny over safety and operations.
Air India did not respond to queries seeking comment on the search for a new CEO before the report was filed.
Despite substantial investments by the Tata Group to modernize the fleet and expand the airline’s network, the turnaround has been hampered by delays in aircraft deliveries and refurbishment of older planes. Safety concerns in the aftermath of the Ahmedabad crash have further weighed on the airline’s recovery.
Operational challenges have also added to financial pressures. Pakistan’s closure of airspace to Indian carriers has forced longer flight routes, increasing fuel consumption and overall operating costs for Air India.
Wilson, a New Zealand-born aviation executive, took charge of Air India in July 2022 following its acquisition from the government. He previously held senior management roles at Singapore Airlines and its low-cost subsidiary, Scoot.
Separately, Air India Express, the Tata Group’s low-cost airline arm, is also expected to undergo a leadership change, according to sources. (Source: IANS)
