Archive · 18 Sep 2026
Tewolde Gebremariam Meets Aviation Minister Before Taking Air India Helm
Air India is preparing to get a new leader named Tewolde Gebremariam.
He recently met India’s civil aviation minister, K. Rammohan Naidu.
The meeting happened before Gebremariam is expected to begin his new job.
Air India announced his appointment on August 5.
He still needs security clearances before taking charge.
The minister said passengers want better flight connections and smoother journeys.
Gebremariam has asked employees to cooperate and focus on doing basic tasks well every day.
He also told workers that he wants to “Make Air India Great Again” as the airline expands.
Tewolde Gebremariam met Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu ahead of his expected Air India takeover.
Air India announced Gebremariam as CEO and managing director on August 5.
He is expected to assume charge later this month, subject to security clearances.
Naidu said Air India must respond to demand for better connectivity and smoother passenger experiences.
Gebremariam urged staff to support operational improvements and said, “we will Make Air India Great Again.”
- Who
- Tewolde Gebremariam, incoming Air India CEO and managing director, met Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu; Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha and Air India officials also attended.
- What
- Gebremariam held a meeting with the aviation minister before taking charge of Air India.
- When
- The meeting took place on Friday; his appointment was announced on August 5, and he is expected to start later this month pending security clearances.
- Where
- The article does not specify where the meeting took place.
- Why
- The meeting came as Air India prepares for new leadership, expansion, and efforts to improve connectivity, passenger experience, and operational performance.
- Incoming leader
- Tewolde Gebremariam
- Position
- Chief executive officer and managing director of Air India
- Appointment announced
- August 5
- Expected start
- Later this month, subject to security clearances
- Previous role
- Chief executive of Ethiopian Airlines Group
- Minister present
- K. Rammohan Naidu, India’s civil aviation minister
- Leadership distinction
- Gebremariam is expected to become Air India’s second foreign CEO
- Staff message
- He urged employees to minimize disruptions and focus on operational basics