Tewolde Gebremariam joins Air India as incoming CEO

Tewolde Gebremariam has joined Air India as the incoming CEO and Managing Director, though he will formally assume the role once he receives necessary regulatory and government security clearances. During a town hall meeting at the airline’s headquarters in Gurugram, Gebremariam was introduced to employees by Air India Group Chairman N Chandrasekaran in the presence of outgoing CEO Campbell Wilson.

Addressing the staff, Gebremariam emphasized a vision to revitalize the Tata Group-owned carrier, stating, “We will Make Air India Great Again.” He highlighted the airline’s iconic brand and heritage while stressing that establishing a “safety-first culture” must be the organization's primary priority. He encouraged employees to feel empowered to raise safety concerns and halt operations if necessary.

Chairman N Chandrasekaran noted that the airline’s next phase will focus on rebuilding customer trust, operational excellence, cost discipline, and safety. He acknowledged the challenges the carrier has faced over the last 18 months, including geopolitical disruptions and fuel price volatility.