Air India on Tuesday announced that its Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Campbell Wilson, will step down in 2026 after leading the airline through a major transformation following its privatisation.

Wilson had informed Air India Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran of his intention to resign in 2024 and has since been preparing the organisation for a smooth transition. He will remain in the role until a successor is appointed and assumes office, the airline said in a press release.

The announcement comes after four years of sweeping reforms at the carrier under the ownership of the Tata Group, which reacquired Air India in 2022. During this period, the airline completed the acquisition and merger of four carriers, undertook extensive modernisation of its systems and operations, and restructured its leadership team and workforce culture.

In a statement, Wilson said the airline had added more than 100 aircraft to its fleet, introduced upgraded onboard products and service standards, and nearly completed the interior refit of its legacy narrowbody aircraft. Deliveries of widebody aircraft with newly designed interiors are also underway, he added.

He further highlighted investments in infrastructure, including the development of South Asia’s largest aviation training academy, two flight simulator facilities, a flying school, and a greenfield maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) base to support the airline’s expansion plans.

“With these foundational blocks now settling and a brief window until deliveries from the nearly 600-strong aircraft orderbook commence from 2027, the time is right for me to hand over the reins for the next phase of Air India’s growth,” Wilson said.

Chairman Chandrasekaran praised Wilson’s leadership, noting his role in navigating post-pandemic supply chain constraints, aircraft delivery delays, and broader geopolitical challenges, while aligning a diverse organisation toward a common goal of rebuilding the airline.

Industry analysts say the leadership transition comes at a critical juncture for Air India as it prepares for a significant fleet expansion and seeks to strengthen its position in global aviation markets. The airline’s board has formed a committee to identify Wilson’s successor in the coming months, signalling a structured transition process aimed at maintaining operational continuity.

Source: Air India Press Release