Published Wed, Aug 5, 2026 · 09:44 PM
[NEW DELHI] Air India announced Tewolde Gebremariam will succeed Campbell Wilson as the chief executive officer amid the Tata Group-owned carrier’s struggles to recover from last year’s deadly plane crash and mounting losses linked to geopolitical tensions.
Tewolde was earlier with the Ethiopian Airlines Group, according to a statement. His immediate priorities will be to steady the airline’s international operations, cut cash burn and manage the unpredictable routings forced by regional conflicts.
Wilson resigned in April after Air India posted a record loss in the fiscal year ended March 31.
The leadership change at Air India comes as the broader industry faces its toughest operating environment in years.
Airspace curbs following India and Pakistan’s border flare-up last year and the Iran conflict have forced Indian carriers to take longer, costlier routes for their international services. The war in the Middle East has also driven up aviation fuel costs, further straining airlines’ finances.
Rival IndiGo also got a new CEO last month in Willie Walsh – an aviation industry veteran – as India’s largest carrier bets on global experience to navigate an unusually turbulent time for Indian aviation. BLOOMBERG
