Air India has announced the appointment of Tewolde Gebremariam as chief executive, replacing Campbell Wilson who stepped down from the position in April. Gebremariam previously served as CEO of Ethiopian Airlines for over a decade, during which he expanded the carrier into one of Africa’s largest and most profitable airlines.
The leadership change comes as Air India, acquired by Tata Group in 2022, faces significant operational and financial difficulties. The airline reported a record loss of nearly $2.3 billion last month and has reduced nearly a third of its international operations. Additionally, Air India is still managing the aftermath of a fatal crash last year that resulted in 260 deaths, with the final crash report expected in October. The carrier operates a fleet of 198 aircraft serving 91 destinations with approximately 5,000 weekly flights.
Gebremariam’s appointment was unanimously approved by Air India’s board following an extensive search. The airline cited his leadership capabilities and operational expertise as key factors in his selection. Air India Chairman N Chandrasekaran stated that the airline is transitioning from an initial stabilization phase into a critical execution and expansion period. Gebremariam has expressed his commitment to building a “world-class global airline” that reflects India’s economic potential.
At Ethiopian Airlines, Gebremariam demonstrated crisis management skills, navigating the airline through the 2019 Boeing 737 Max crash and the Covid pandemic. Industry experts suggest these experiences may position him well to address Air India’s challenges, which include operational setbacks, safety concerns, and workplace culture issues. Air India has indicated that additional details regarding Gebremariam’s start date will be announced at a later time.
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