The decision follows the announcement of the appointment by the company's board of directors on August 5, 2026. Gebremariam will succeed Campbell Wilson, who announced his resignation on April 7, 2026.
The change in leadership comes at a time when the Tata Group-owned airline is facing operational entanglements, financial losses, and altered international flight routes.
The career and record of Tewolde Gebremariam
Tewolde Gebremariam has a career spanning more than 37 years in the international aviation sector. He began his professional journey in 1985 at Ethiopian Airlines in cargo operations and gradually rose through the ranks, holding senior sales positions in India, Saudi Arabia, and the United States. From January 2011 to March 2022, he led the African airline as CEO. During his eleven-year tenure, the group's annual revenue nearly quintupled, from approximately US$1 billion to around US$4,5 to US$5 billion.
Under his leadership, the African carrier's fleet grew from 33 to approximately 130 aircraft, while passenger numbers increased from 3 million to 12 million per year before the outbreak of the global pandemic. In addition to expanding its fleet and route network, the company developed its internal maintenance and training capabilities, as well as its cargo business. In March 2022, Gebremariam resigned from his position at Ethiopian Airlines for health reasons.
The situation at Air India and the end of Campbell Wilson's term in office
Campbell Wilson took over as CEO of the privatized Air India in July 2022, following the acquisition of the formerly state-owned airline by the industrial conglomerate Tata Sons. Wilson oversaw the first phase of the restructuring, which included the merger of various subsidiaries such as Vistara and Air India Express, as well as substantial commitments for new short- and long-haul aircraft. Despite these efforts, the company subsequently experienced persistent financial losses. For the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026, Air India reported an annual deficit of approximately 26.800 crore rupees.
The aftermath of a plane crash near Ahmedabad in June 2025 further strained operations and led to stricter scrutiny by the Indian aviation authorities. Wilson had already informed Chairman of the Board Natarajan Chandrasekaran in 2024 that he intended to step down during 2026. However, he remained in office until a successor was found.
Operational framework and international routes
The Indian aviation sector faces complex challenges. Geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East and airspace closures over parts of Pakistan are forcing Air India to implement extensive detours on routes to Europe and North America. These alternative routes result in longer flight times, increased fuel consumption, and rising operating costs.
The financial situation is also impacting shareholders. Singapore Airlines, which holds a 25 percent stake in Air India, is feeling the effects of the delayed return to profitability in its overall results. To counteract rising expenses, Air India's management has initiated cost-cutting measures, including suspending salary increases for executives and reviewing contracts with external service providers.
Perspectives and challenges of the new corporate management
The chairman of Tata Sons and Air India, Natarajan Chandrasekaran, stated on August 5, 2026, that following the completion of fundamental stabilization, fleet orders, and business integration, the company was now entering an implementation phase. The board of directors justified the selection of Gebremariam by citing his experience in building hubs, consolidating maintenance units, and managing large workforces.
Gebremariam himself described the task as a commitment to strengthening the airline's position in international air travel in line with India's economic development. Experts point out that modernizing cabin interiors, standardizing the corporate culture, adhering to reliable flight schedules, and achieving profitability are among the primary tasks for the coming years.