Tewolde Gebremariam Takes the Helm at Air India Amid Expansion and Industry Headwinds

Tewolde Gebremariam formally assumed charge as Air India’s CEO and Managing Director on Thursday after receiving security clearance earlier this week, the airline said.

Gebremariam’s appointment was announced on August 5. An Ethiopian national, he becomes the second foreign CEO and MD to head Air India, which remains loss-making and is pursuing expansion plans.

He succeeds Campbell Wilson, who resigned as Air India’s CEO and MD in April 2026 after leading the airline since July 2022. During Wilson’s tenure, Air India underwent major changes following its return to the Tata Group, including the merger and integration of four airlines, fleet modernisation and changes in corporate governance. Air India’s board also credited him with laying the foundations for the carrier’s next phase.

Gebremariam takes charge at a time when the airline is working on its expansion plans amid multiple external headwinds. The carrier has been seeking to strengthen its operations and build its business as it navigates challenges facing the aviation sector.

During a town hall with employees on September 28, Gebremariam outlined his priorities for the airline. He said cost discipline must become part of Air India’s organisational culture, making cost management a key focus for employees across the company.

He also identified sustainable profitability, safety and operational reliability as key priorities. The focus on profitability comes as the airline continues to operate at a loss while working on its expansion.

Gebremariam plans to introduce programmes to reward employees for ideas that deliver measurable cost savings and improve operational efficiency. The initiative is aimed at encouraging staff to contribute suggestions that can help reduce costs and make operations more efficient.

Gebremariam previously served as the CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, where he spent much of his aviation career. His experience at the African carrier comes as Air India works to execute its expansion strategy while dealing with operational and financial challenges.

The new CEO’s immediate priorities, as outlined during his interaction with employees, include maintaining safety standards, improving operational reliability, pursuing sustainable profitability and strengthening cost discipline.

Air India’s management will now work under Gebremariam’s leadership as the airline continues its expansion programme. His employee-focused initiatives are expected to form part of the broader effort to improve cost efficiency and operational performance.