Tewolde Takes Air India Helm After PIA CEO Speculation.

Air India has appointed former Ethiopian Airlines Group chief executive Tewolde Gebremariam as its new Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, placing the veteran aviation executive at the center of the Indian flag carrier’s efforts to strengthen operations and execute its ongoing transformation.

Gebremariam’s appointment is notable in Pakistan as he had recently been tipped for the top position at Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). Reports had indicated that PIA’s post-privatization management consortium had shortlisted him to lead the national carrier’s revival plan.

Leadership Transition at Air India

Gebremariam succeeds Campbell Wilson, who is stepping down after leading Air India since its return to Tata Group ownership in 2022.

Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran noted that the airline is entering a critical phase focused on operational execution, safety management, and global route expansion.

Veteran Turnaround Track Record

Gebremariam led Ethiopian Airlines for over a decade, overseeing a multi-billion-dollar expansion that transformed the regional operator into Africa’s largest and most profitable airline group. His expertise in managing large-scale transformations, fleet modernization, and MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) infrastructure development was key to his selection.

Operational Revival and Challenges

Since Tata Group regained control, Air India has pursued an ambitious turnaround strategy involving massive multi-billion-dollar aircraft orders, fleet retrofits, and integration with other group carriers like Vistara and Air India Express.

However, the airline faces pressing operational and safety challenges following the June 2025 crash of Air India Flight 171, which resulted in significant fatalities and heightened regulatory oversight. Gebremariam’s immediate focus will center on bolstering safety standards, restoring operational reliability, and guiding the carrier toward long-term profitability.