Tata Sons has begun discussions with senior executives from global airlines for the potential replacement of Air India CEO Campbell Wilson, according to The Economic Times. The move comes as the airline faces mounting pressure following a fatal crash that killed 260 people in 2025.
Tata Group Chairman N. Chandrasekaran has reportedly spoken with chief executives of at least two major UK and US-based international carriers as potential successors to Wilson, whose term officially runs until 2027, officials told the Indian news outlet.
The search for the new CEO comes amid growing impatience within Tata Group leadership over the pace of improvements at Air India following its 2022 privatization, sources told Reuters. Two people with direct knowledge of the matter confirmed that the airline’s board is actively seeking Wilson’s replacement.
The crash of Air India Flight 171 in Ahmedabad in June 2025 marked a turning point for the airline. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff, killing all but one of the 242 people on board and 19 more on the ground. A preliminary investigation found that the aircraft’s fuel control switches moved to “cutoff” three seconds after liftoff, though the cause remains under investigation.
Campbell Wilson, the CEO of Air India, visited the crash site this morning. He has been in Ahmedabad since last night. The airline has over 30 technical people assisting. Air India also has a whole team on the ground to support the family and loved ones of those affected. pic.twitter.com/NzQHJkh02T
— Ajay Awtaney (@LiveFromALounge) June 13, 2025
Following the crash, India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation issued show-cause notices to several senior Air India officials, including Wilson, over alleged violations including operating aircraft without emergency equipment checks, delays in replacing engine parts, and shortcomings in crew fatigue management. In one case, the airline operated an aircraft with an expired license.
Wilson, a New Zealand native who had previously spent 26 years at Singapore Airlines, took charge of Air India in July 2022 after Tata Sons regained control of the airline from the Indian government. After his appointment, Wilson announced a five-year transformation plan to rebuild the carrier into a global airline.
Under Wilson’s leadership, Air India successfully merged with Vistara and expanded its fleet, even overtaking market leader IndiGo on some metro routes. However, global supply chain issues delayed aircraft deliveries and refurbishments, affecting service quality and punctuality.