Air India has appointed Tewolde Gebremariam as its new CEO, a choice reflecting the airline’s urgent need for revitalisation. Gebremariam, who has nearly 37 years of experience at Ethiopian Airlines, is expected to bring his unique expertise to the troubled carrier. He steps into his new role in October following the resignation of Campbell Wilson, who departed after nearly four years amid ongoing financial difficulties.

Wilson’s tenure has been marred by substantial losses, especially with the airline recording a staggering loss of Rs 22,238 crore for FY26, compared to Rs 10,859 crore the previous year. The resignation comes after the tragic AI171 crash in Ahmedabad in June 2025, which resulted in the loss of 260 lives. The incident has intensified scrutiny on Air India, exposing various operational shortcomings, as identified in a recent DGCA audit.

Tata Group’s chairman, N Chandrasekaran, has characterised this phase for Air India as a “critical execution and expansion era,” signalling a clear expectation for profound operational overhaul and organisational growth.

Tewolde Gebremariam’s Background

Gebremariam’s journey within the aviation industry began in 1985 as a cargo clerk at Ethiopian Airlines, where he steadily ascended through various roles until reaching the CEO position in 2011. His long tenure indicates a depth of experience that includes overseeing multiple regions and various aspects of airline operations, including a significant role as Regional Director for India and South East Asia.

Upon taking charge as CEO, Gebremariam faced an immediate challenge as oil prices surged due to global events, along with economic hardships in Europe and unrest in North Africa and the Middle East. His leadership was initially tested, but he successfully launched the ambitious Vision 2025 programme aimed at substantial expansion, setting out to grow the airline’s fleet and service capacity significantly.

Under his leadership, Ethiopian Airlines experienced remarkable growth, achieving milestones ahead of schedule. Revenue soared from $1 billion to $4.5 billion, and the fleet expanded significantly from 33 to over 120 aircraft by the time of his retirement in March 2022.

Challenges Awaiting Gebremariam at Air India

As Gebremariam assumes his new role, Air India faces a distinct set of challenges, including a significant operational restructuring. The airline’s ongoing struggles have been amplified by external factors such as Pakistan’s closure of airspace to Indian carriers, necessitating longer and costlier flight routes. Increasing fuel costs linked to international conflicts further complicate the situation.

Regulatory pressures have increased following the AI171 crash, with the DGCA citing multiple compliance issues. The board is reportedly considering capacity reductions of over 20 per cent as part of broader cost-control measures. Concurrent discussions with Singapore Airlines concerning the financial predicament illustrate the urgency facing the carrier.

Gebremariam’s background offers a blueprint for building revitalised operational strategies, evident from his previous success at Ethiopian Airlines. His understanding of how to navigate crises, including the fallout from both a severe accident and a global pandemic without governmental intervention, positions him uniquely for this role.

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