Noida, Sep 7 (APAC Media): Tewolde Gebremariam, the former chief executive of Ethiopian Airlines, on Monday took operational charge of Air India, succeeding Campbell Wilson as the Tata Group-owned airline looks to strengthen safety, improve reliability and reduce losses, according to media reports.
Gebremariam will not immediately be formally designated as chief executive officer and accountable manager, as his security clearance is still pending.
The clearance is expected by the end of September, the source said.
Air India Chairman N Chandrasekaran is expected to introduce Gebremariam to employees at a town hall on Monday, marking the beginning of his operational leadership.
Officials said Gebremariam officials granted Gebremariam considerable autonomy to review the airline’s operations and implement corrective measures. considerable autonomy to review the airline’s operations and take corrective measures.
“He is expected to take a critical look at the way the airline operates, identify gaps and move quickly to address them,†an official familiar with the matter said.
Safety, engineering and maintenance are expected to be among his immediate priorities as Air India faces heightened scrutiny following the fatal Ahmedabad crash last year and a recent Phuket-Delhi incident that injured passengers and crew.
Gebremariam is expected to strengthen the airline’s technical and maintenance capabilities, drawing on his experience of building operational systems at Ethiopian Airlines.
The new leadership may also restructure teams and functions to improve accountability and execution.
Financial discipline will form another key part of Gebremariam’s mandate. Air India reported a loss of more than Rs 26,000 crore in FY26 and has sought Rs 10,000 crore in fresh equity from its owners, Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines.
Officials said the new chief will focus on cash, costs and profitability while preparing the airline for fleet expansion.
His tenure is expected to centre on four priorities — safety, operational consistency, customer experience and financial discipline — as Air India seeks to build a more sustainable business.
–ENDS–
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