This is developing into quite a period for management at the leading Indian airlines. A few weeks back, we discovered that IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers would be stepping down, and now, it has come to light that Air India CEO Campbell Wilson is resigning as well.
Campbell Wilson departs Air India after four years
Air India has verified that CEO Campbell Wilson has stepped down, and a committee has been formed to seek a successor in the upcoming months. In an announcement, the airline provided the following insight, implying that Wilson has been considering leaving since 2024:
“Wilson had communicated his plan to resign in 2026 to Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran in 2024 and, since that time, has been working to ensure that the organization and leadership team are on stable ground for the transition. He will stay in his position until his successor is appointed and in place.”
For context, Wilson is currently 55 years old, originally hailing from New Zealand, and he took on the role of CEO of Air India in June 2022. Prior to this, Wilson was employed at Singapore Airlines since as early as 1996. In 2011, he became the inaugural CEO of Scoot, Singapore Airlines’ budget carrier.
Campbell Wilson is departing Air India after four years
Wilson’s time at Air India had both successes and challenges
In terms of IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers, it’s evident that he resigned under pressure, following the recent operational issues at the airline. In contrast, regarding Air India CEO Campbell Wilson, the assertion is that he had planned to resign dating back to 2024, making this announcement anything but abrupt.
I have mixed feelings regarding Wilson’s time at Air India. On the positive side, he undeniably set the airline on a new course, and numerous aspects of the Air India experience have transformed under his guidance. Conversely, regarding customer experience and profitability, Air India is still quite distant from the target.
In terms of passenger experience, the airline has successfully restructured its narrow-body fleet; however, the overhaul of the long-haul product has taken significantly longer than anticipated. Currently, Air India possesses a single Dreamliner in service with long-haul interiors specifically designed for the airline, which isn’t particularly impressive.
Admittedly, supply chain issues have been a persistent challenge for the airline sector for an extended period. However, when a swift transformation is essential, it’s a bit disheartening how little progress has been achieved regarding new long-haul cabins after four years.
Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that Air India also encountered significant challenges in the past year, including dealing with airspace closures and the crash of Air India flight AI171. While none of these incidents were Wilson’s doing, the airline recorded a staggering loss last year, among the largest in its history, which isn’t ideal for a turnaround post-privatization.
It will be intriguing to see who succeeds Wilson. In IndiGo’s case, former IAG CEO Willie Walsh will take over as the new CEO. I’m interested to see how the selection process unfolds at Air India. One might expect them to recruit an Indian national for the role, considering the criticism airlines have faced for appointing foreign CEOs.
However, I’m also uncertain about who would be the ideal candidate for the position. If they opt for an ex-pat again, I believe former American CEO Doug Parker may be available. Or perhaps former Qantas CEO Alan Joyce? 😉
Air India’s transformation has progressed more slowly than anticipated
Bottom line
Air India CEO Campbell Wilson will be resigning, approximately four years after undertaking the challenge of revitalizing India’s national airline. While there is no doubt that Air India is headed in the right direction, the transformation has simply not advanced as far as anticipated after four years, and the airline has faced notable setbacks.
It’s interesting to observe the consecutive resignations of the CEOs at India’s two largest airlines, and I’m curious to see if Air India also opts for a former CEO from another major airline.
What are your thoughts on Wilson’s resignation, and who do you envision replacing him?