Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Jan 5: The Tata Group has initiated the process of identifying a new chief executive officer for Air India, as the national carrier continues to face financial and operational challenges more than three years after its privatisation. The move comes at a time when the airline is grappling with the aftermath of the Ahmedabad plane crash and falling short of its targeted financial recovery timeline.

According to sources familiar with the matter, Tata Group chairman N. Chandrasekaran has already begun preliminary discussions with potential candidates who have experience leading large global airlines. The search signals a possible leadership transition at a critical juncture for Air India’s revival efforts.

Current ceo Campbell Wilson, whose term runs until mid-2027, is reportedly not keen on extending his tenure. Sources suggest that the leadership change, if finalised, would be amicable rather than abrupt. Wilson, a former senior executive at Singapore Airlines and its low-cost arm Scoot, took charge of Air India in July 2022 following the Tata Group’s acquisition of the airline from the government.

One of the key factors prompting the leadership rethink is Air India’s likely failure to meet its March 31 break-even target. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad in June 2025 dealt a significant blow to the airline’s recovery plans, triggering safety concerns and dampening passenger confidence.

Despite substantial investments by the Tata Group to upgrade aircraft, modernise cabins and expand routes, the turnaround has been hampered by persistent delays in aircraft deliveries and refurbishment of older planes. These challenges have slowed capacity expansion and affected service consistency.

External factors have also weighed on the airline’s finances. Pakistan’s closure of its airspace to Indian carriers has forced longer flight paths, increasing fuel consumption and operating costs. Combined with safety scrutiny after the crash, these issues have complicated Air India’s path to profitability.

Queries sent to Air India regarding the leadership change did not elicit a response till the time of filing. Meanwhile, sources indicate that Air India Express, the group’s low-cost airline, may also see a change at the top as the Tata Group reassesses leadership across its aviation businesses.