Campbell Wilson has resigned as CEO and Managing Director of Air India after leading the Tata Group-owned carrier for four years, a period marked by multiple challenges, including the fatal AI171 crash in June last year.
The airline authorities said in a statement on Tuesday that its board has set up a committee to identify a successor in the coming months. “Wilson had conveyed his intention to step down in 2026 to Air India Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran in 2024 and, since then, has been working to ensure the organisation and leadership team are well prepared for a smooth transition,” the statement said.
Wilson faced criticism following the June 12 crash of a London-bound Air India flight shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad airport, which claimed 241 of the 242 lives on board. He was also under scrutiny over several regulatory lapses.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), which is investigating the incident, has already released its preliminary findings, while the final report is expected in June this year.
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Meanwhile, Tata Sons Chairman Chandrasekaran acknowledged Wilson’s contributions, noting that under his leadership, Air India made significant progress across multiple areas.
“Campbell and his team have shown remarkable resilience and determination, bringing together a diverse organisation under the shared vision of building a revitalised Air India,” he said.
A former veteran of Singapore Airlines, Wilson took charge in September 2022 after the airline’s privatisation in January that year. Soon after assuming office, he unveiled a five-year transformation programme, Vihaan.AI, centred on enhancing customer experience, strengthening operations, attracting top talent, achieving industry leadership, and improving commercial efficiency and profitability.
As part of this strategy, the airline laid out a detailed roadmap to significantly expand its network and fleet, strengthen its position in technology, sustainability and innovation, and invest heavily in talent.
“With these foundational elements now in place and a short window before deliveries from our nearly 600-aircraft orderbook begin in earnest from 2027, the time is right for me to hand over leadership for the next phase of Air India’s growth,” Wilson said.
At a conference in New Delhi last year, he had also highlighted that the airline suffered losses exceeding ₹4,000 crore due to the closure of Pakistan’s airspace.
Separately, Air India’s low-cost arm, Air India Express, has been without a head since March 19 following the exit of Managing Director Aloke Singh after completing his five-year tenure. The airline is yet to announce his successor.
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