Amanze Chinonye
Air India has appointed former Ethiopian Airlines chief executive Tewolde Gebremariam as its new Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, as the Tata Group-owned carrier seeks to accelerate its turnaround amid record losses, operational challenges and heightened regulatory scrutiny.
The appointment ends a months-long search for a new leader at Air India and marks the airline’s transition into the next phase of its revival plan after years of restructuring following Tata Group’s acquisition of the carrier in 2022.
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Tewolde succeeds Campbell Wilson, who resigned in April and will step down on September 30 after serving his notice period. Wilson led Air India’s initial transformation, overseeing the merger with Vistara, integration of its low-cost airline operations, a brand relaunch and a major fleet modernisation programme involving hundreds of aircraft orders.
Tewolde takes charge as Air India focuses on improving operational performance, strengthening financial discipline and converting its large-scale investments into sustainable growth.
The incoming CEO brings extensive experience from Ethiopian Airlines, where he spent nearly four decades before serving as Group Chief Executive from 2011 to 2022. During his tenure, Ethiopian Airlines expanded into Africa’s largest carrier, with revenue increasing more than fourfold, its fleet nearly tripling and its global network significantly expanding.
He also guided the airline through major industry disruptions, including the Boeing 737 MAX crisis in 2019 and the COVID-19 pandemic, while maintaining operations without government financial support.
Air India faces significant challenges as Tewolde begins his tenure. The Air India Group recorded a loss of more than $2 billion in the 2025-26 financial year, according to shareholder Singapore Airlines, which holds a 25% stake in the carrier, while Tata Sons owns the remaining shareholding.
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The airline is also dealing with aircraft delivery delays, fleet upgrade challenges, rising operating costs and increased regulatory oversight following the fatal Boeing 787 crash in 2025 that killed 260 people.
Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran said Air India had completed its initial stabilisation, integration and fleet commitment phase and was entering a critical execution and expansion stage. He has previously said the airline’s full turnaround could take up to a decade.
Industry analysts said Tewolde’s experience in scaling an airline, managing crises and improving operational efficiency would be central to Air India’s efforts to become a globally competitive carrier.
The appointment represents a significant leadership change for Tata Group’s aviation ambitions, with Tewolde tasked with delivering the next stage of Air India’s transformation by improving reliability, customer experience and profitability.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
