New Delhi, 5/1 : The Tata Group has commenced an active search for a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead Air India, signaling a significant leadership change for the national carrier. This development comes amidst growing concerns over the airline’s pace of turnaround and its struggle to achieve financial targets since its acquisition by the conglomerate in January 2022.
Tata Group Chairman N. Chandrasekaran is reportedly spearheading the search, having already engaged in preliminary discussions with seasoned executives from major global airlines, including those based in the United Kingdom and the United States. Current Air India CEO and Managing Director Campbell Wilson, who assumed the role in July 2022, is anticipated to conclude his tenure earlier than his contract’s scheduled end in mid-2027. Sources close to the matter indicate that Wilson’s contract will not be extended, and similar leadership adjustments are also expected at Air India Express, where CEO Aloke Singh’s term is also set to conclude in 2027.
The decision to seek new leadership is primarily driven by dissatisfaction with the execution and on-ground progress of Air India’s transformation plan. The airline is projected to miss its crucial March 31 target for operational break-even, a key factor in the leadership review. Adding to the pressure, Air India’s recovery efforts were severely impacted by a fatal Boeing 787 Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad in June 2025, which claimed 260 lives and led to increased scrutiny from aviation regulators over safety lapses. Regulators have flagged issues such as flights operating without emergency equipment checks, delays in replacing engine parts, and shortcomings in managing crew fatigue.
Despite significant investments by the Tata Group to modernize the fleet and expand routes, the airline has faced persistent hurdles, including global supply-chain delays for aircraft deliveries and planned refurbishments for older planes. These operational challenges, coupled with the closure of Pakistani airspace for Indian carriers which has increased flying routes and costs, have further strained Air India’s financial performance. In fiscal year 2025, Air India and Air India Express collectively reported a substantial loss of ₹10,859 crore on revenues of ₹78,636 crore, making them the largest loss-making entities within the Tata Group’s portfolio.
The group is reportedly looking for a leader with deeper operational expertise and a stronger customer-centric focus to guide Air India towards sustained profitability and global competitiveness. The final investigation report into the Ahmedabad crash is anticipated around June, and the announcement of Wilson’s successor may follow thereafter.
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