Archive · 18 Sep 2026
Air India CEO Weighs Express Merger to Cut Losses
Air India is losing a lot of money.
Its incoming leader, Tewolde Gebremariam, is considering combining Air India with its cheaper airline, Air India Express.
Both airlines currently operate separately.
Combining them could reduce duplicate offices, managers, engineers, and paperwork.
Air India Express would probably keep its own name.
The idea is still being discussed and needs approval from the company’s board.
Tewolde also wants to improve cargo use and reduce maintenance problems.
The airline is dealing with other difficulties, including higher fuel costs and disrupted flight routes.
Incoming CEO Tewolde Gebremariam is considering combining Air India with Air India Express.
The proposal aims to reduce duplicated management, engineering, administrative, and regulatory costs.
Air India reported a loss of ₹22,000 crore ($2.3 billion) for the year through March.
The possible merger is at an early stage and would require supervisory board approval.
Tewolde also identified cargo utilization and maintenance problems as areas needing improvement.
- Who
- Incoming Air India CEO Tewolde Gebremariam is considering the proposal, which would affect Air India and Air India Express.
- What
- A possible merger would combine Air India and Air India Express under one airline group while retaining the Air India Express brand.
- When
- The loss was reported for the year through March; Tewolde officially joined Air India this month, while the merger discussions remain preliminary.
- Where
- The proposal concerns Air India’s operations in India and its international airline group.
- Why
- Tewolde believes combining the airlines could reduce duplicated regulatory, management, engineering, and administrative costs and help address Air India’s record loss.
- Reported loss
- ₹22,000 crore ($2.3 billion) for the year through March
- Proposed change
- Combine Air India and Air India Express
- Air India Express brand
- Would be retained under the proposed combination
- Approval required
- The supervisory board would need to approve the plan
- Incoming CEO
- Tewolde Gebremariam
- Other priorities
- Improve cargo utilization and reduce maintenance issues
- Additional constraints
- Pakistani airspace restrictions, Middle East conflict, and higher fuel costs are disrupting operations