It appears that Air India’s top leadership may be on the brink of change. Reports suggest Air India is actively searching for a new chief executive, with indications that Tata Group, which holds a majority stake in the carrier, has lost confidence in current CEO Campbell Wilson and has been holding discussions with potential replacements.
Any incoming CEO would face the dual challenge of restoring financial stability while improving operational performance, all while rebuilding passenger and investor confidence. Leadership changes could also extend to Air India Express, the airline’s low-cost subsidiary, reflecting a broader effort to strengthen management across the group.
According to two sources familiar with the matter, Tata Group chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran has reportedly held discussions with chief executives from at least two international carriers based in the U.K. and the U.S. as possible successors to Wilson.
Who is Campbell Wilson, CEO of Air India?
Campbell Wilson is a New Zealand aviation executive who has served as Air India’s Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director since July 2022, shortly after Tata Group completed its acquisition of the airline. He was appointed as part of Tata’s plan to modernize Air India, transform its operations, and improve performance following privatization.
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Wilson brings more than 26 years of experience in the aviation industry, most of it with the Singapore Airlines Group. He began his career as a management trainee at Singapore Airlines in 1996 and went on to hold senior roles in Canada, Hong Kong, and Japan. He later returned to Singapore as the founding CEO of Scoot, the group’s low-cost subsidiary. Subsequently, Wilson served as Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Singapore Airlines before returning for a second stint as Scoot’s CEO.
At Air India, Wilson’s mandate has included leading the airline’s turnaround, improving service standards, and integrating its various business units. However, reports in early 2026 suggest Tata Group has begun exploring potential successors, raising the possibility that Wilson could be replaced before the end of his contract in 2027, amid ongoing operational and safety challenges.
Wilson has not commented publicly on reports about a possible early exit. Instead, he has begun the year with an upbeat message focused on Air India’s fleet transformation:
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“Passenger experience is set to take a big leap forward. This will be the year customers notice the most significant change, primarily driven by the ongoing wide-body upgrade program. By the end of 2026, 81% of the international services will be operated by our upgraded aircraft.”
The developments at Air India underscore the critical role leadership plays in shaping the trajectory of a major airline. Changes at the top can significantly influence strategic priorities, operational efficiency, and overall organizational performance. The reported search for a new CEO reflects the mounting pressure airlines face as they attempt to balance financial recovery, service quality, and long-term growth in an increasingly competitive global aviation market.
Strong leadership is essential not only for driving operational improvements but also for maintaining confidence among employees, passengers, and investors. Executive-level decisions can shape corporate culture, determine how resources are allocated, and affect how effectively an airline responds to challenges. At the same time, leadership transitions can offer opportunities to introduce fresh perspectives, new strategies, and a renewed focus on customer experience. In this context, the evolving situation at Air India highlights how leadership dynamics can shape both short-term outcomes and the long-term future of a national carrier on the global stage.