Air India has appointed former Ethiopian Airlines chief executive Tewolde Gebremariam to lead the carrier as it battles mounting financial losses, operational disruptions and the aftermath of last year’s deadly plane crash.
Air India has named Tewolde Gebremariam as its new chief executive, replacing Campbell Wilson at a time when India’s national carrier is facing one of the most challenging periods in its recent history.
Gebremariam, who previously led Ethiopian Airlines for more than a decade, officially takes over after Wilson stepped down in April. Air India’s board said he was unanimously selected following an extensive global search, citing his leadership experience and record of transforming one of Africa’s most successful airlines.
Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran said the airline was entering a new phase after completing its initial restructuring.
“Having completed the initial phase of stabilisation, integration and fleet commitments under Campbell’s guidance, Air India is now entering a critical execution and expansion era,” Chandrasekaran said.
Responding to his appointment, Gebremariam said he was excited to help build “a world-class global airline” that reflects India’s growing economic strength.
SEE ALSO: Tragic Peru Plane Crash Kills 13 Tourists
The appointment comes as Air India continues to recover from the fatal Ahmedabad-to-London crash last June that claimed 260 lives. The disaster raised fresh concerns about the airline’s safety standards, with the final investigation report expected in October.
The carrier is also battling severe financial pressure. Last month, Air India reported a record loss of nearly $2.3 billion, prompting the airline to reduce almost one-third of its international operations as it seeks to improve performance.
Operational setbacks have further complicated the airline’s recovery. In March, a Delhi-to-Vancouver flight was forced to return after flying for almost eight hours because it lacked permission to enter Canadian airspace, adding to growing concerns over operational planning.
Air India, which was acquired by the Tata Group from the Indian government in 2022, operates 198 aircraft and nearly 5,000 weekly flights to 91 domestic and international destinations.
Gebremariam now faces the difficult task of restoring confidence in the airline while navigating rising operating costs, aircraft delivery delays, disrupted international routes and increased regulatory scrutiny across India’s fast-growing aviation sector.
