Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Jul 9: Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran is setting up an interim committee of senior executives, including himself, to oversee the airline while the search for a successor to Chief Executive Officer Campbell Wilson continues, according to sources familiar with the development.

The interim committee will also include former Civil Aviation Ministry official Pradeep Singh Kharola. According to sources, the panel has been formed to ensure continuity in the airline's operations while Chandrasekaran's extension as chairman of Tata Sons is awaiting approval.

Tata Sons, the principal holding company of the Tata Group, owns a 75 per cent stake in Air India, while Singapore Airlines holds the remaining 25 per cent.

Sources said New Zealand-born Campbell Wilson's notice period is scheduled to end on September 30. Wilson had announced his resignation in April after serving as CEO for nearly four years.

Earlier reports indicated that Air India's Chief Commercial Officer Nipun Aggarwal and Singapore Airlines executive Vinod Kannan are among the leading contenders to succeed Wilson.

According to reports, the appointment of Aggarwal as CEO has reportedly faced opposition from several quarters, including Tata Trusts Chairman Noel Tata. Tata Trusts holds around 66 per cent of Tata Sons.

Air India and Tata Sons did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the development.

The airline and its low-cost subsidiary, Air India Express, recorded a combined loss of more than USD 2 billion in the previous financial year.

Air India has also been under increased scrutiny following a series of safety-related incidents, including last year's Boeing Dreamliner crash in Gujarat that claimed 260 lives. The airline has also been affected by Pakistan's closure of its airspace to Indian carriers and the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which has increased fuel prices and operating costs.