Air India appoints CEO amid mounting financial losses

Air India has appointed former Ethiopian Airlines chief Tewolde Gebremariam as its new chief executive

Air India has appointed former Ethiopian Airlines chief Tewolde Gebremariam as its new chief executive officer, entrusting him with leading the airline through a challenging period marked by financial losses, operational setbacks and heightened safety concerns.

Gebremariam succeeds Campbell Wilson, who stepped down in April after overseeing the airline’s initial restructuring following its acquisition by the Tata Group in 2022.

The Air India board unanimously selected Gebremariam after an extensive global search, citing his leadership experience and strong operational record. During more than a decade at Ethiopian Airlines, he expanded the carrier’s fleet significantly and helped transform it into one of Africa’s leading and most profitable airlines.

His appointment comes at a difficult time for Air India, which continues to recover from last year’s fatal Ahmedabad–London plane crash that claimed 260 lives. The airline is also dealing with mounting financial pressure after reporting a record loss of nearly $2.3 billion and reducing a significant portion of its international operations.

In recent months, Air India has faced several operational disruptions, including flight delays, route adjustments and unexpected diversions. The broader aviation industry in India has also been affected by higher operating costs, aircraft delivery delays, disrupted international routes and stricter regulatory oversight.

Industry analysts believe Gebremariam’s experience managing Ethiopian Airlines through the Boeing 737 Max crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic could prove valuable as Air India works to restore public confidence. Experts say his immediate priorities will include strengthening safety standards, improving employee morale, modernising the airline’s fleet, expanding its network and returning the carrier to long-term profitability.