Campbell Wilson on Air India: 'Wonderful experience' and a 'privilege' to be part of its history; wishes airline a world-class future

Former Air India CEO and Managing Director Campbell Wilson on Tuesday said it had been a privilege to be part of the airline's "long and proud history" as he handed over charge to his successor, Tewolde Gebremariam.

Wilson and Gebremariam arrived together at Bombay House in Mumbai on Tuesday, as the airline faced scrutiny over an alleged immigration and security lapse involving three foreign nationals who reportedly departed Delhi airport without completing mandatory immigration clearance.

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Campbell Wilson bids farewell to Air India

Speaking to reporters, Wilson said he was pleased to hand over the leadership of Air India to Gebremariam and wished the airline well in its next phase.

"Air India and India have been a wonderful experience. It's been a privilege to be part of Air India's long and proud history. I'm very happy to be handing over to Tewolde Gebremariam as my successor," Wilson said.

"I wish Air India and India all the very best in the continued rise to become a world-class airline," he added.

The Air India Board of Directors announced last month that Gebremariam would succeed Wilson as CEO and Managing Director. He took charge earlier this month.

Air India CEO Tewolde Gebremariam summoned over immigration lapse

Gebremariam's arrival at Bombay House came on a day when the Centre summoned the Air India chief over an alleged immigration lapse involving three foreign nationals.

The individuals reportedly departed from Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi without undergoing mandatory departure immigration clearance, according to sources.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has sought an explanation from the airline and described the incident as a "serious security and immigration-related lapse".

The ministry has also issued a show-cause notice to Air India seeking details about the circumstances that allegedly led to the violation of mandatory immigration procedures.

Air India safety and customer trust remain key priorities

Earlier, on September 7, Air India Chairman N Chandrasekaran reaffirmed the airline's focus on safety, customer trust, operational excellence and financial sustainability as it enters the next phase of its transformation.

According to industry sources, Chandrasekaran told an internal meeting that restoring trust in Air India should remain the airline's foremost priority. He stressed the need for world-class processes, rigorous compliance and personal accountability across the organisation.

"The most important thing Air India should aspire to have is trust in the minds of people. Air India must be known for caring about safety above everything else. Our safety record should not just match the best airlines in the world; it should be better than the best," sources quoted him as saying.

Tewolde Gebremariam takes Air India leadership

Gebremariam has taken over as Air India's new CEO and Managing Director, succeeding Wilson, who led the airline during a key phase of its transformation.

His appointment comes as Air India continues efforts to strengthen its operations, improve customer confidence and establish itself as a world-class airline.

The leadership transition also comes amid heightened attention on safety, compliance and operational standards at the airline.


Inputs from ANI