Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Sep 7: Tewolde Gebremariam on Monday took charge of Air India, replacing former chief executive Campbell Wilson as the Tata Group-owned airline faces pressure to improve safety, operational reliability and financial performance.
Gebremariam, the former chief executive of Ethiopian Airlines, was appointed Air India's chief executive officer and managing director by the airline's board in August following a global search for a new leader.
However, he will not immediately be formally designated as the airline's CEO and accountable manager as his security clearance is still pending.
Air India Chairman N Chandrasekaran is expected to introduce Gebremariam to employees as he begins his new role and takes stock of the airline's operations.
Gebremariam takes charge at a challenging time for Air India, which has been working to strengthen safety standards, improve operational reliability and bring down losses. The airline reported a loss of more than Rs 26,000 crore in the 2025-26 financial year and is seeking a fresh equity infusion of around Rs 10,000 crore from its owners, Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines.
Safety and operational reliability are expected to be among Gebremariam's immediate priorities. The airline has faced heightened scrutiny following the fatal Ahmedabad plane crash in June 2025, while concerns over engineering, maintenance and operational procedures have also increased.
Gebremariam's experience at Ethiopian Airlines is expected to be valuable as Air India works to strengthen its operations. He led Ethiopian Airlines for more than a decade, overseeing a major expansion that transformed it into one of Africa's leading airlines. During his tenure, the carrier's revenue increased more than fourfold and its fleet nearly tripled.
At Air India, Gebremariam is expected to focus on strengthening engineering and maintenance operations, improving operational consistency, controlling costs and enhancing customer service. The airline is also preparing for significant fleet expansion and further growth in international operations.
His appointment comes as Air India continues its transformation under the Tata Group following its acquisition from the Indian government. The airline has been undergoing fleet modernisation, organisational restructuring and integration with Vistara as it seeks to establish itself as a major global carrier.
Gebremariam's appointment also marks a new phase following Wilson's tenure. Wilson joined Air India in 2022 and played a key role in the airline's transformation, including fleet modernisation, improvements in corporate governance and the integration of Air India and Vistara.
The new chief will now be tasked with improving safety and reliability while steering Air India towards stronger financial performance and establishing it as a competitive global airline.