Air India CEO search raises questions over aviation safety, leadership

Air India’s board is searching for a new chief executive to replace Campbell Wilson, two people with direct knowledge of the matter said, as the airline faces intense scrutiny over safety lapses following a deadly crash last year.

The June crash killed 260 people, making it the world’s deadliest aviation disaster in a decade. Since then, regulators have flagged serious failures, including aircraft flying without proper emergency equipment checks, delays in replacing engine parts, forged maintenance records, and weaknesses in managing crew fatigue.

“These findings raised concerns about how safety was being managed,” one source familiar with the matter said.

Wilson, a former senior executive at Singapore Airlines (SIAL.SI), became Air India’s CEO and managing director in July 2022 after the airline was privatised and sold to Tata Group. His term is set to end in mid-2027, but sources said he could be replaced earlier.

Tata Group unhappy with airline performance

According to one source, Tata Group was unhappy with Wilson’s performance last year, despite giving him wide authority to overhaul the airline after its purchase from the Indian government.

“Tata effectively gave him a blank cheque to fix long-standing issues, but progress fell short of expectations,” the person said, declining to be named due to the sensitivity of the discussions.

The Economic Times first reported the CEO search, saying Air India chairman N. Chandrasekaran had spoken with leaders of at least two major U.S. and UK-based airlines as potential successors.

Safety lapses put airline under global spotlight

Air India has invested heavily to modernise its fleet and expand routes since privatisation. However, the turnaround has been slowed by aircraft delivery delays, refurbishment setbacks, and persistent operational challenges.

Regulators highlighted weaknesses in aviation safety systems and aircraft maintenance, adding pressure on leadership as the airline seeks to restore public trust.

Singapore Airlines holds a 25% stake in Air India. Tata Group, Singapore Airlines, Air India, and Wilson did not respond to requests for comment.

The group’s low-cost unit, Air India Express, may also face leadership changes, the Economic Times reported.

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