Is Tata Group planning a new CEO for Air India?

Mumabi: Air India, now owned by the Tata Group, may be headed for a leadership change as safety lapses, regulatory action and slow operational progress continue to raise concerns within the group and among aviation authorities.

Why is the Tata Group considering a leadership change at Air India?

According to source-based Reuters reports, the Tata Group has begun exploring alternative leadership options for Air India and its low-cost subsidiary, Air India Express. While CEO and Managing Director Campbell Wilson’s term runs until mid-2027, sources suggest the group is dissatisfied with the pace of improvement, particularly through 2025.

Discussions have reportedly taken place with the chief executives of at least two major international airlines based in the UK and the US, signalling that the Tata Group is seriously evaluating external candidates with global experience.

What challenges has Air India faced since privatisation?

Air India was privatised in 2022 with the objective of transforming the loss-making national carrier into a world-class airline. Since the takeover, the Tata Group has invested heavily in new aircraft orders, fleet modernisation, cabin upgrades and route expansion.

However, the turnaround has been slowed by delays in aircraft deliveries, extended refurbishment timelines and persistent operational inefficiencies. Global supply chain disruptions have further complicated the transformation process, limiting visible progress on the ground.

What safety and regulatory issues have raised red flags?

India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has repeatedly flagged serious safety and compliance concerns at Air India. These include aircraft being operated without proper emergency equipment checks, delays in replacing critical engine components, alleged manipulation of maintenance records, and weak systems for monitoring crew fatigue.

These issues have placed the airline under sustained regulatory scrutiny and raised broader questions about internal controls, safety culture and governance.

How did the Ahmedabad crash impact Air India’s leadership scrutiny?

Air India’s troubles intensified in 2025 following a fatal plane crash in Ahmedabad that claimed 280 lives. The tragedy brought unprecedented regulatory and public attention to the airline’s safety practices and oversight mechanisms.

Following the crash, senior government officials reportedly began engaging directly with Tata Group leadership rather than Air India’s management, reflecting growing concern over governance and accountability at the airline.

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has stated that a detailed investigation into the crash is ongoing, with international agencies involved, and that the government is committed to ensuring the probe meets global standards.

What recent incidents have added to Air India’s troubles?

Air India has faced additional setbacks in recent months. The DGCA issued a show-cause notice to an Air India pilot over safety concerns related to aircraft dispatch procedures, adherence to the Minimum Equipment List (MEL), and cockpit decision-making.

Separately, in early January, an Air India pilot was removed from duty at Vancouver International Airport after failing two breathalyser tests conducted by Canadian authorities. The pilot was declared unfit to fly, and Canadian regulators have asked Air India to investigate the incident.

How is Campbell Wilson’s performance being viewed?

Campbell Wilson, who took charge in July 2022 after a long tenure at Singapore Airlines, had outlined a five-year transformation plan to rebuild Air India into a competitive global airline. While structural reforms have begun, regulatory violations, safety concerns and the Ahmedabad crash have weighed heavily on his performance review.

Sources indicate that Tata Group chairman N Chandrasekaran has grown increasingly impatient with the lack of visible improvement despite substantial financial investment.

What would a leadership change mean for Air India’s future?

Air India plays a central role in India’s international aviation ambitions. A leadership change, if it occurs, would signal a shift from a patient, long-term rebuild to a more urgent turnaround focused on safety, compliance and operational discipline.

Such a move would underline the Tata Group’s intent to prioritise governance and regulatory credibility as it seeks to restore confidence in the airline and position Air India as a serious global competitor.