Make Air India Great Again: Tewolde Gebremariam Outlines Safety, Reliability Focus

Air India’s incoming CEO and Managing Director Tewolde Gebremariam has sought employees’ support and cooperation as he prepares to lead the airline, with safety, customer trust, operational execution and cost discipline emerging as key priorities for its next phase.

Addressing employees at an Air India town hall on Monday, Gebremariam said the airline has a powerful heritage, a strong brand and enormous potential. “If we do the right things at the right time, the sky is the limit,” he said.

Gebremariam, who led Ethiopian Airlines Group for more than 11 years, said he was coming from the US and that “we will Make Air India Great Again”. Recalling his stint in Mumbai in the 1990s, he said Air India was then at the top of the industry and expressed confidence in making it a strong brand again.

He stressed that a safety first culture must be Air India’s top priority and called for minimising operational disruptions. When disruptions occur, he said, employees must handle them professionally and take care of customers.

“I need your support and cooperation. We cannot bring about meaningful change without the commitment of our people,” Gebremariam told staff.

Air India Chairman N Chandrasekaran, meanwhile, called for a stronger culture of cost consciousness, saying every employee can contribute to improving cost efficiency. He said the airline’s next phase must focus on safety, customer trust, operational execution and cost discipline.

Chandrasekaran acknowledged that the past 18 months had been particularly challenging, citing geopolitical disruptions, airspace closures, fuel price changes and the AI171 crash as factors affecting the airline’s operations and performance. “Safety is not about what we say. It is about what we do every day,” he said, stressing strong processes, compliance and personal accountability.

The push for cost efficiency comes as Air India faces significant financial pressure. Tata Sons’ annual accounts show the airline’s FY26 loss more than doubled to around Rs 22,238 crore, from nearly Rs 10,859 crore in FY25.

The airline is also dealing with safety concerns following the June 12, 2025 AI171 crash in Ahmedabad, which killed 260 people. More recently, on August 4, 2026, AI2379 from Phuket to Delhi lost around 300 feet in altitude, leaving 24 passengers and crew members injured. The pilot later tested positive for a psychoactive substance and was terminated by Air India.

Chandrasekaran also thanked outgoing CEO and MD Campbell Wilson for leading the airline through a crucial transformation phase. Wilson said Air India’s best days are still ahead and that he would remain its “biggest cheerleader from the sidelines”.

Air India announced Gebremariam’s appointment on August 5 following a comprehensive search overseen by a dedicated board committee. He will assume the CEO and MD role after receiving the necessary approvals.