Air India is actively seeking a new chief executive officer (CEO) as Tata Sons, the airline's owner, considers a leadership change involving Campbell Wilson. Wilson, who assumed his role in July 2022 following a long career at Singapore Airlines, is scheduled to remain until June 2027. However, recent issues and dissatisfaction among Tata Group’s leadership have prompted discussions about replacing him earlier.
The Tata Group has engaged with senior aviation executives from the United Kingdom and the United States, with group chairman N Chandrasekaran reportedly conducting conversations with potential successors. This possible leadership change stems from concerns over Wilson's pace of operational reforms, especially after the deadly crash of Air India Flight 171 in Ahmedabad last year, which resulted in 260 fatalities. Investigations revealed safety lapses, including aircraft operating without completing emergency equipment checks and falsification of maintenance records.
Although Wilson launched a comprehensive five-year plan to elevate Air India's global competitiveness, global supply chain disruptions have hampered this progress. Aircraft deliveries and refurbishments have slowed, adversely affecting service quality and punctuality. The airline’s integration of Vistara into its operations and a fleet expansion have yielded mixed results; operational and safety concerns have heightened discussions about leadership renewal.
Sources indicate that Tata Group is considering an earlier replacement of Wilson to address these issues, with internal assessments possibly leading to a change even before his official term expires. The new leadership will face the critical task of improving safety standards, operational efficiency, and restoring airline reputation amid ongoing challenges.
