Tata Group Eyes Leadership Change at Air India and Air India Express Amid Turnaround Push: Report
Tata Group has reportedly begun a global search for a new CEO for Air India amid concerns over execution delays, operational challenges and mounting losses. The move signals a possible early leadership transition even as current CEO Campbell Wilson’s term runs until 2027.
New Delhi, January 5: Tata Group has reportedly initiated a global search for a new Chief Executive Officer for Air India, signaling a possible leadership transition well before the current term of CEO Campbell Wilson ends in June 2027. According to a report by The Economic Times, Tata Group Chairman N. Chandrasekaran has already held preliminary discussions with senior executives from leading international airlines based in the UK and the US.
Sources suggest the Tata Group leadership is concerned about the pace of execution on the ground, despite Wilson overseeing major structural changes such as the merger of Vistara into Air India. Persistent issues related to service quality, aircraft availability, technical reliability and delays in refurbishing the long-haul fleet are said to have prompted a broader leadership review. The assessment is not limited to the full-service carrier, with management at Air India Express, led by CEO Aloke Singh, also reportedly under evaluation. Noel Tata’s Proposal To Split Tata Sons’ Top Role Stalls Amid Trustee Opposition As They Push for N Chandrasekaran’s Third Term.
Air India’s turnaround has been further slowed by global supply chain disruptions affecting aircraft deliveries under the airline’s Vihaan.AI transformation plan. As a result, the continued operation of older aircraft has attracted criticism over cabin maintenance and passenger experience. Financially, pressure remains intense, with Air India and Air India Express together posting losses of INR 10,859 crore in FY2025, making aviation the largest loss-making segment within the Tata Group. Air India Says It Capped Flight Fares Ahead of Govt Order Amid Hike in Ticket Prices.
Regulatory scrutiny has also increased in recent months, adding to management challenges. While sources close to Wilson indicate he may not wish to continue beyond his current term, Tata Group officials are said to be treating the CEO search as a proactive step to ensure stronger leadership for the airline’s next growth phase. As of now, the Tata Group has declined to comment officially on the succession process or its timeline.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 05, 2026 06:45 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).