Mumbai, April 7 Air India CEO and Managing Director Campbell Wilson told staff on Tuesday that it was the right time to hand over control of the airline for its next phase of growth.
Wilson, who has decided to resign, has been at the helm for four years since mid-2022 and will remain with the airline to ensure a smooth transition.
"I am incredibly proud of what you have achieved, especially in the face of unprecedented challenges, including aircraft delivery delays, supply chain issues, two wars, airspace closures, high fuel prices, and, most tragically, the recent incident," Wilson said.
He stated that it was the right time to hand over control of the airline.
"With a limited window until bulk deliveries from the nearly 600-aircraft order book begin in earnest from 2027, it is the right time for me to hand over control for the next phase of Air India's growth," Wilson said.
The loss-making airline, acquired by the Tata Group from the government in January 2022, has been facing various challenges even as it is in the midst of an ambitious transformation plan.
According to him, over the four years since Air India's privatization, the airline has seen tremendous change and progress.
In his message to the staff, Wilson listed the acquisition and successful merger of four airlines, the transition from public to private sector practices, along with the complete renewal of the leadership team, workforce, culture, and operating methods, as key developments.
Listing the achievements, Wilson said the airline has seen the complete modernization of systems, the launch of new products, the implementation of elevated service and operational standards on the ground and in the air, as well as the addition of 100 more aircraft to the fleet.
"The complete interior refit of legacy narrow-body aircraft has been largely completed, and deliveries of wide-body aircraft with new, custom-designed interiors are now well underway," he said.
He also mentioned that the critical enabling infrastructure, including South Asia's largest training academy, two flight simulator facilities, a flying school, and a greenfield maintenance, repair, and overhaul base, has been initiated.
The Air India chief also said that he has informed the airline's board about his resignation, with a commitment to remain in the role until a smooth transition can be effected.
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