THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
MUMBAI, AUGUST 5, 2026
Air India on Wednesday appointed former Ethiopian Airlines
Group chief Tewolde Gebremariam as its Chief Executive Officer and Managing
Director, succeeding Campbell Wilson, as the Tata Group-owned carrier enters
the next phase of its transformation with a sharper focus on global expansion,
operational excellence and sustained profitability.
The appointment was approved by the airline's Board of
Directors following a global search overseen by a dedicated board committee,
which evaluated both internal and external candidates before unanimously
selecting Gebremariam for the top role.
The board said it sought a leader with a proven track record
of managing large-scale airline transformations, delivering operational
excellence, strengthening safety and service standards, and driving profitable
growth.
Gebremariam is regarded as one of the aviation industry's
most accomplished executives, having led Ethiopian Airlines Group for more than
a decade. During his tenure, the airline expanded into Africa's largest and
most profitable carrier, with revenue increasing more than four-fold and fleet
size nearly tripling.
Air India said his expertise in building global aviation
hubs, expanding international long-haul operations, developing maintenance,
repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities, and creating aviation training
infrastructure would be critical as the airline transitions from its turnaround
phase to a period of accelerated growth.
The airline also highlighted Gebremariam's experience in
navigating complex global markets, driving profitability, enhancing operational
reliability and fostering a high-performance, customer-centric organisational
culture.
Welcoming the appointment, Tata Sons and Air India Chairman
N. Chandrasekaran said the airline had completed the initial phase of
stabilisation, integration and fleet commitments under Wilson's leadership and
was now entering a crucial execution and expansion phase.
"Tewolde's track record in building one of the world's
most efficient and profitable airline groups makes him uniquely suited to lead
Air India. His operational expertise, commitment to safety, and vision for hub
development will be instrumental as we establish Air India as a premier global
carrier and a source of national pride," Chandrasekaran said.
Accepting the role, Gebremariam described it as a privilege
to lead Air India at a defining moment in its history.
"Air India carries an incredible legacy, and the
opportunity to build a world-class global airline that reflects India's
extraordinary economic potential is uniquely exciting. I look forward to
working closely with the Board, employees, and industry stakeholders to deliver
exceptional operational reliability, warm Indian hospitality and sustained
long-term growth," he said.
Air India said the leadership transition aligns with India's
civil aviation ambitions and the country's broader economic vision. Under
Gebremariam's leadership, the airline plans to strengthen India's position as a
global aviation hub by expanding international connectivity, maintaining the
highest safety standards and enhancing operational performance.
The airline also reiterated its commitment to employee
development through greater investment in training, career progression and a
merit-driven work culture while accelerating improvements in on-time
performance, cabin modernisation, customer experience and global connectivity.
The Board expressed its appreciation to outgoing CEO Campbell Wilson for steering Air India's revival over the past phase, including overseeing complex merger and integration efforts, launching large-scale fleet modernisation programmes, strengthening corporate governance and laying the foundation for the airline's long-term growth.
With fresh leadership, strong capital support and a clear strategic roadmap, Air India said it is confident of emerging as a leading global airline in the years ahead.
