Archive · 5 Aug 2026
Air India names Tewolde Gebremariam CEO, succeeding Campbell Wilson
Air India is a very big airline in India that belongs to the Tata Group.
The airline has a new boss named Tewolde Gebremariam, who used to run another big airline called Ethiopian Airlines.
The old boss, Campbell Wilson, is leaving after leading the airline through a difficult period.
Air India has been losing a lot of money — more money than ever before.
Some countries are not letting planes fly over them because of fights between nations, so Air India's planes must take longer routes.
That makes trips longer and costs much more for fuel.
A plane crash in 2025 made many people worried about Air India's safety.
The new boss wants to make the airline safer, save money, and help it grow.
Some people worry that a full fix could take up to ten years, but Gebremariam has experience turning around Ethiopian Airlines.
Air India named Tewolde Gebremariam, former CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, as its new CEO on 5 August, succeeding Campbell Wilson.
Air India posted its biggest-ever annual loss of ₹26,800 crore in FY26; cumulative losses since the Tata Group's 2022 acquisition exceed ₹58,000 crore.
The Pakistan airspace ban and Iran conflict forced longer routings — Delhi-London grew from 8.5 to 12 hours — and fuel costs doubled from 34% of the carrier's costs.
Restoring safety confidence is a priority after the June 2025 Boeing 787 Dreamliner crash that killed more than 240 people and regulatory action over safety lapses.
Industry observers questioned delayed succession planning and an interim management committee, while Air India faces a turnaround that could take up to a decade.
- Who
- Tewolde Gebremariam, former Ethiopian Airlines CEO, appointed incoming CEO & Managing Director of Air India, succeeding Campbell Wilson; N Chandrasekaran chairs Tata Sons and Air India.
- What
- Air India announced Gebremariam as its new CEO amid record losses, geopolitical disruptions, and safety concerns, tasked with a long-term turnaround.
- When
- Wednesday, 5 August (announcement); Wilson resigned in April and had informed the airline of his departure as early as 2024.
- Where
- India — Air India's international routes to Europe, North America, and West Asia have been affected by rerouting due to the Pakistan airspace ban and the Iran conflict.
- Why
- To lead the carrier's critical execution and expansion era, cutting cash burn, restoring safety confidence, and delivering the Tata Group's long-term turnaround.
Company and supporters
Industry observers
Readiness for the next phase
Company and supporters
Tata Group chairman N Chandrasekaran said the initial phase of stabilization, integration, and fleet commitments is complete under Campbell, and Air India is entering a critical execution and expansion era.
Industry observers
Industry observers questioned Air India's succession planning because Wilson's departure was known as early as 2024, an interim management committee was created before the appointment, and the departure of experienced employees has cost the airline institutional knowledge.
Gebremariam's suitability for the job
Company and supporters
CAPA India's Kapil Kaul called the decision 'excellent,' and Air India cited Gebremariam's record building one of the world's most efficient and profitable airline groups, growing Ethiopian Airlines' revenue more than fourfold.
Industry observers
The articles note that Gebremariam was in charge of Ethiopian Airlines when its Boeing jet crashed in 2019, killing 157 passengers and crew — a safety record that draws attention given Air India's own scrutiny after its 2025 Dreamliner crash.
- New CEO
- Tewolde Gebremariam (Incoming CEO & Managing Director)
- Outgoing CEO
- Campbell Wilson (resigned in April after record loss)
- Owner
- Tata Group (bought Air India from the government in 2022); Singapore Airlines holds a 25.1% stake
- FY26 annual loss
- ₹26,800 crore (biggest-ever)
- Cumulative losses since acquisition
- More than ₹58,000 crore
- Fatal safety incident
- Boeing 787 Dreamliner crash in June 2025, killing more than 240 people
- Delhi-London flight time
- Lengthened from 8.5 to 12 hours due to rerouting
- Flights cancelled during Iran conflict
- Around 2,500 to West Asia over three weeks (about 30% of normal schedule)
