Archive · 7 Sep 2026
Gebremariam Sets Safety-Focused Reset for Air India
Tewolde Gebremariam is preparing to lead Air India.
He asked employees to help make the airline safer and more dependable.
He said workers should speak up or stop something if they believe it is unsafe.
He wants flights to leave and arrive on time, bags to reach passengers and planes to be clean.
He also wants the airline to handle delays and other problems better.
Chairman N Chandrasekaran said passengers need to trust Air India’s safety and service.
He also said the airline must control costs and follow strong procedures.
Air India has faced safety questions, operational problems and large financial losses.
Reports disagree about whether Gebremariam has formally taken charge because required clearance or approvals are still pending.
Incoming CEO Tewolde Gebremariam sought employee support for Air India’s next transformation phase at a Monday town hall.
Gebremariam made safety the airline’s top priority and urged employees to stop unsafe operations and raise concerns.
He called for fewer disruptions, more punctual flights, reliable baggage delivery and cleaner aircraft.
Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran said Air India must strengthen safety, customer trust, operational execution and cost discipline.
Reports differ on whether Gebremariam has formally taken charge; government or other necessary approvals remain pending, while the airline faces major losses and seeks ₹10,000 crore in fresh equity.
- Who
- Tewolde Gebremariam, Tata Sons and Air India Chairman N Chandrasekaran, and outgoing CEO and MD Campbell Wilson.
- What
- Gebremariam is preparing to lead Air India and has outlined a safety-, reliability- and customer-focused agenda.
- When
- The leadership town hall took place on Monday; Gebremariam was appointed on August 5. Reports say his formal assumption of office remains subject to necessary clearance or approvals.
- Where
- At Air India; the town hall brought together employees and the three executives.
- Why
- To advance Air India’s transformation while addressing safety scrutiny, operational disruptions, customer trust, cost control and financial challenges.
- Incoming CEO and MD
- Tewolde Gebremariam, formerly CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group
- Main priority
- Building a safety-first culture in which employees can raise concerns and stop unsafe operations
- Operational goals
- On-time departures and arrivals, dependable baggage delivery, clean aircraft and fewer disruptions
- Leadership message
- N Chandrasekaran said the next phase must emphasize safety, customer trust, operational execution and cost discipline
- Safety scrutiny
- Reports cited the June 2025 Ahmedabad AI171 crash and a Phuket-Delhi flight’s sudden loss of altitude
- Financial position
- Air India reported an FY26 loss of around ₹26,800 crore, also described as more than ₹26,000 crore
- Requested funding
- The airline has sought ₹10,000 crore in fresh equity from Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines
Sources
‘Make Air India great again’: Incoming CEO Tewolde Gebremariam seeks staff backing for reset
Air India incoming CEO Tewolde Gebremariam seeks staff support, calls for fewer disruptions
Tewolde Gebremariam takes charge as Air India CEO; security clearance still pending: Report
Air India’s Incoming CEO Gebremariam Seeks Staff Support, Vows Fewer Disruptions
