New Delhi: Tewolde Gebremariam has received the government’s security clearance to formally take charge as the Managing Director and CEO of Tata Group-owned Air India, marking the completion of a key regulatory step in the airline’s leadership transition. Air India sources also confirmed the development, according to NDTV Profit.

Gebremariam, the former chief executive of Ethiopian Airlines, was appointed as Air India’s new CEO and MD in August. He succeeds Campbell Wilson as the airline moves into a new phase focused on operational execution, safety, reliability, cost discipline and sustainable profitability.

The security clearance was required before Gebremariam could formally assume the full responsibilities of the position. Sources said he is expected to officially take charge on Thursday, October 1.

Government clearance completes leadership transition

Air India’s Board appointed Gebremariam following a global search for a leader to guide the airline through its next phase of transformation.

The appointment came after Campbell Wilson’s tenure, during which Air India underwent significant changes following its return to the Tata Group. The airline has invested in new aircraft, cabin upgrades, technology and network expansion while also integrating its operations with other Tata aviation businesses.

Gebremariam’s appointment is intended to take the airline from the stabilisation and integration phase towards greater operational execution and profitability.

Air India sources confirmed that the government’s security clearance has now been granted. With that approval in place, Gebremariam can formally assume the CEO and MD position.

Safety and reliability among key priorities

Gebremariam has already outlined the areas he intends to focus on as he takes over the airline.

During a town hall with Air India employees on September 28, he identified safety, operational reliability and sustainable profitability as key priorities. He also stressed the need for stronger cost discipline and improved operational efficiency.

The incoming chief has said Air India needs to improve the consistency of its operations while ensuring that service recovery processes meet global standards.

He has also highlighted the impact of external challenges facing airlines, including geopolitical developments, airspace restrictions, elevated fuel prices and uncertainty in major international markets.

Cost discipline becomes a major focus

Gebremariam has told employees that cost discipline needs to become part of Air India’s organisational culture.

According to PTI reports, he also discussed introducing programmes that would reward employees for ideas that generate measurable cost savings and improve operational efficiency. Sustainable profitability is expected to remain a major objective under his leadership.

The focus on costs comes as Air India continues to work towards improving its financial performance while expanding its fleet and international network.

The airline’s transformation has involved substantial investments, making efficient utilisation of aircraft, manpower and other resources increasingly important as it moves into the next stage of its growth plan.

Who is Tewolde Gebremariam?

Gebremariam is an Ethiopian aviation executive who spent more than a decade leading Ethiopian Airlines Group.

During his tenure, Ethiopian Airlines expanded its fleet, international network and aviation infrastructure, while developing its position as a major African aviation hub. NDTV Profit reported that the airline’s revenue increased more than fourfold and its fleet nearly tripled under his leadership.

His experience includes international network expansion, hub operations, engineering and maintenance, workforce development and airline transformation.

Air India’s Board cited his experience in managing large-scale airline transformation, operational efficiency, safety and profitability when announcing his appointment in August.

Air India enters its next transformation phase

The leadership change comes as Air India seeks to move beyond the initial phase of its Tata-led revival.

Since the Tata Group regained control of Air India in 2022, the airline has undertaken fleet expansion, cabin modernisation, technology upgrades and the integration of aviation businesses within the group.

The company is now looking to improve operational consistency while expanding its international presence.

Air India said at the time of Gebremariam’s appointment that his priorities would include expanding international long-haul operations, strengthening hub connectivity, improving engineering and maintenance capabilities and enhancing workforce training. The airline also highlighted on-time performance and passenger experience.

Challenges await the new Air India chief

Gebremariam takes charge at a challenging time for the airline industry. International aviation continues to face uncertainty caused by geopolitical tensions, airspace restrictions and fluctuations in fuel prices.

Air India is also under pressure to improve reliability and customer experience while maintaining its ambitious expansion plans.

An earlier LocalCircles survey cited by NDTV Profit found that about 60% of surveyed Air India passengers reported issues with timeliness, while 40% flagged concerns relating to food quality and communication transparency. The survey covered 18,483 respondents and was conducted through the LocalCircles platform.

These challenges make operational execution and customer trust important areas for the new leadership.

Formal charge expected from October 1

With the government’s security clearance now granted, Gebremariam is set to formally assume the CEO and MD role at Air India.

His immediate agenda is expected to centre on safety, operational reliability, cost control and sustainable profitability, while the airline continues its fleet and network expansion.

The leadership transition marks another stage in Air India’s broader transformation under the Tata Group, with Gebremariam bringing experience from one of Africa’s largest airline groups to the Indian carrier.