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Air India CEO resigns as airline faces mounting pressures
Air India's Chief Executive Officer Campbell Wilson has resigned, the airline announced Tuesday, as it grapples with financial losses and the fallout from a fatal crash last year that killed 260 people. Wilson, whose tenure was scheduled to end in 2027, will remain in the role until a successor is appointed.
Transition planned amid turnaround efforts
Wilson, a former Singapore Airlines executive, was recruited in 2022 to lead Air India's revival after Tata Group acquired the airline from the Indian government. His departure comes as the company continues to address operational and safety challenges.
In a statement, Air India confirmed Wilson had informed Chairman N Chandrasekaran in 2024 of his intention to step down this year, adding that he had worked to stabilize the airline ahead of the transition. "The time is right for me to hand over the reins for the next phase of Air India's rise," Wilson said.
Progress and setbacks under Wilson's leadership
During his tenure, Air India launched a fleet modernization program, adding over 100 aircraft and refurbishing older narrowbody planes. The airline also began inducting widebody jets with updated interiors and invested in infrastructure to support long-term growth.
In an internal memo to employees, Wilson highlighted the company's transformation, noting improvements in systems, product offerings, and service standards. However, the airline has continued to post losses, reporting a combined deficit of approximately 98 billion rupees ($1.2 billion) for Air India and its low-cost subsidiary in the 2024-25 fiscal year.
Crash investigation and industry pressures
A major setback for Air India occurred last June when an Ahmedabad-London flight crashed, killing all 260 passengers and crew. Indian aviation regulators are finalizing their investigation, with a report expected by 12 June-marking the one-year anniversary of the incident.
The broader Indian aviation sector is also under strain, facing rising costs, disrupted international routes due to Middle East conflicts, aircraft delivery delays, and heightened regulatory scrutiny. Last week, rival airline IndiGo appointed industry veteran Willie Walsh as its new chief to navigate similar challenges.
Next steps for Air India
The airline's board has formed a committee to identify Wilson's successor in the coming months. The transition comes as Air India works to overcome years of neglect under state ownership and position itself for future growth.
