Who will lead Air India next as Campbell Wilson's contract nears its 2027 end?

The Tata Group has officially begun the search for a new Air India CEO.

This move comes as the tenure of incumbent CEO and Managing Director Campbell Wilson approaches its end. His current contract is set to expire in mid-2027. Sources indicate that both Wilson and the Tata Group are not seeking a renewal. The Group is also seeking a new Air India Express Managing Director. Current Air India Express MD, Aloke Singh, is also expected to complete his tenure in 2027. This dual search signals a significant leadership transition across the entire Air India Group. The process to finalize a suitable candidate for the top Air India job is expected to take three to six months. An overlap between the incoming and outgoing leaders is desired for a smoother transition. This is a key story in commercial aviation news [https://flying.flights].

Air India's Turnaround Challenges

The leadership change discussions are happening amid a challenging period for the airline. The Tata Group acquired Air India from the government in January 2022. Wilson was appointed CEO and MD in July 2022. He was tasked with a five-year transformation plan. However, the pace of operational improvements has reportedly caused dissatisfaction. The airline is also reportedly unlikely to meet a March 31 target. This target was set for the carrier to break even operationally.

Regulatory Scrutiny and Safety Concerns

A major factor in the intensified scrutiny is a fatal accident. An Air India Boeing 787-8 crash occurred in Ahmedabad in June 2025. The incident led to heightened regulatory oversight. Regulators reportedly flagged multiple operational shortcomings. These included alleged documentation irregularities and maintenance lapses. The final investigation report on the crash is expected around June. The new Air India leadership will face immediate pressure to address these safety and operational concerns.

Fleet Modernization and The Path Forward

Wilson's tenure did see major milestones. He oversaw the integration of Vistara into Air India. The airline also placed a historic order for 570 new aircraft. This massive order is split between Airbus and Boeing. This order is the backbone of the airline's revival. However, fleet transformation is running behind schedule. Global supply chain issues have delayed new aircraft deliveries. Refurbishment of older aircraft has also been delayed. Wilson previously called the slow pace of deliveries his "number one frustration".

Impact on Global Aviation

The selection of the new Air India leadership is crucial for the Indian airline industry. Air India is a major anchor tenant at key Indian airports. The airline's performance affects India's global connectivity. The next CEO must balance fleet expansion with operational efficiency. They must also ensure compliance with global standards set by bodies like IATA. This leadership change marks a shift in the Air India restructuring. It moves the focus from stabilization to long-term optimization. The new executives must accelerate the transformation plan. This is necessary to compete with both domestic and worldwide competitors.