Campbell Wilson, CEO of Air India, steps down.
Campbell Wilson, the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Air India, has announced his departure. Wilson will leave the company in 2026.
In 2024, Wilson informed Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran of his decision to resign in 2026. Since then, he has been working to make sure the organization and leadership team are prepared for the changeover. Until his successor is named and appointed, he will continue to hold the position.
In the four years since Air India’s privatisation, Wilson stated, “four airlines have been acquired and successfully merged, and there has been a shift from public to private sector practices along with a renewal of the leadership team, workforce, culture, and methods of operation.” In addition to the addition of 100 new aircraft to the fleet, it has witnessed the full modernisation of systems, the introduction of new tangible products, and the implementation of higher service standards both on the ground and in the air. Deliveries of widebody aircraft with new, specially designed interiors are currently underway, and the complete interior refit of older narrowbody aircraft has all but been finished.
To support the size, standards, and aspirations of the new Air India, essential enabling infrastructure has also been started, including the largest training academy in South Asia, two flight simulator facilities, a flying school, and a greenfield maintenance repair and overhaul center.
“With these foundational blocks now settled and a short window until deliveries from the nearly 600-strong aircraft orderbook begin in earnest from 2027, the time is right for me to hand over the reins for the next phase of Air India’s rise,” he went on. Being a little part of this most recent chapter in Air India’s lengthy history has been an absolute privilege, and I will always be a passionate supporter of this amazing company and its employees.
“On behalf of the Board, I wish to record my deep appreciation for Campbell’s leadership and contribution over the past four years,” stated N Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Air India. Apart from the aforementioned advancements, it is also important to recognise the various external obstacles that the Air India team has overcome, such as extended post-Covid supply chain limitations that have affected the delivery of new aircraft and retrofit programs, as well as significant geopolitical and other challenges. Campbell and his group have shown perseverance and determination, uniting a diverse group of people around the common objective of creating the new Air India that is currently taking shape.
A committee appointed by the Air India Board will identify the replacement in the upcoming months.
