Air India’s board has commenced an executive search to replace current CEO Campbell Wilson, according to sources familiar with the matter. The leadership transition comes as the airline faces mounting pressure regarding operational performance and safety protocols following last year’s catastrophic aviation incident that resulted in 260 fatalities.
Wilson, who assumed leadership in July 2022 following Air India’s privatization, brought 26 years of experience from Singapore Airlines where he held senior positions across both the flagship carrier and its budget subsidiary Scoot. Despite his contract extending through mid-2027, industry insiders indicate that majority owner Tata Group has expressed dissatisfaction with the airline’s performance under his stewardship.
The aviation regulatory authorities have identified multiple operational deficiencies in recent months, including aircraft operating without proper emergency equipment verification, delayed engine part replacements, maintenance record irregularities, and inadequate crew fatigue management systems. These findings emerged during investigations into what became the deadliest aviation disaster witnessed globally in the past decade.
N. Chandrasekaran, who chairs both Air India and parent company Tata Group, has reportedly initiated discussions with chief executives from at least two major international carriers based in the United Kingdom and United States as potential successors. The Economic Times first reported these developments, noting that similar leadership changes may extend to Air India Express, the group’s low-cost carrier division.
Tata Group acquired the previously state-owned, loss-making airline in 2022 through a privatization initiative aimed at revitalizing the carrier. Despite substantial investments toward fleet modernization and route expansion, the transformation effort has encountered significant challenges including aircraft delivery delays, refurbishment setbacks, and persistent operational complications.
Neither Tata Group, Singapore Airlines (which maintains a 25% stake in Air India), Air India management, nor Wilson have provided official comments regarding the leadership transition proceedings.