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Tewolde Gebremariam named Air India CEO, MD

Air India has chosen an aviation veteran with a reputation for turning around complex airline operations to lead its next phase of growth. Tewolde Gebremariam, the former chief executive of Ethiopian Airlines Group, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Air India, succeeding Campbell Wilson.

The appointment was announced by the Air India board on August 5, following a months-long search for a new leader. The airline said it evaluated both internal and international candidates before selecting Gebremariam, citing his experience in airline turnarounds, operational excellence, safety, international expansion and profitable growth.

The change comes at an important moment for Air India. The Tata Group-owned airline has completed several major steps in its transformation since returning to Tata ownership in 2022, including the merger with Vistara, a major fleet modernisation programme and changes to its corporate structure. It is now attempting to turn those investments into a more reliable and financially stronger global carrier.

Gebremariam brings a long track record in building an international airline. He spent more than three decades with Ethiopian Airlines, joining the carrier in 1985 and rising through several commercial and operational roles. He became Group CEO in 2011 and remained in the position until 2022. During his tenure, Ethiopian Airlines expanded dramatically, with revenue increasing more than fourfold and its fleet nearly tripling, according to Air India.

Under his leadership, Ethiopian Airlines developed into Africa’s largest airline group and built a strong international network centred on Addis Ababa. Gebremariam was closely involved in expanding long-haul routes, strengthening hub operations and developing aviation infrastructure, including maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities and training capabilities.

That experience is particularly relevant to Air India, which is trying to build a stronger global hub-and-spoke network while upgrading its fleet and passenger experience. Air India has said its new CEO will be expected to focus on operational reliability, engineering standards, safety, employee development and customer service alongside expansion.

For passengers, some of these changes could eventually be visible in everyday aspects of flying. Air India has said it wants to improve on-time performance, modernise aircraft cabins, raise hospitality standards and offer more seamless international connectivity. The airline is also looking to strengthen its position as a major global aviation hub connecting India with key international markets.

The appointment also comes against a difficult financial backdrop. Air India Group recorded a loss of more than $2 billion in fiscal 2025-26, according to Singapore Airlines, which owns a 25.1% stake in the group. The airline is therefore facing the challenge of balancing ambitious fleet and network plans with the need to control costs and improve profitability.

The timing is also significant because Air India has faced heightened scrutiny following last year’s fatal crash, which killed 260 people. The accident increased pressure on the airline to strengthen safety, operational discipline and regulatory compliance. Gebremariam’s experience in managing crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the aftermath of the 2019 Boeing 737 MAX crash involving Ethiopian Airlines, is expected to be an important part of his leadership profile.

Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran said Air India had completed its initial stabilisation, integration and fleet commitments under Wilson and was now entering a “critical execution and expansion era”. He said Gebremariam’s experience in building an efficient and profitable airline would be valuable as Air India works towards becoming a leading global carrier.

Gebremariam, for his part, described the appointment as an honour and said Air India’s legacy and India’s economic potential made the opportunity particularly significant. He said he looked forward to working with the board, employees, government and industry partners to improve operational reliability, strengthen Indian hospitality and deliver sustainable long-term growth.

The appointment marks the end of Campbell Wilson’s tenure as the central figure in Tata’s initial Air India revival. Wilson, a former Singapore Airlines executive, took over in 2022 after the Tata Group acquired Air India from the government. During his tenure, he oversaw the airline’s brand transformation, fleet modernisation and the complex integration of Air India and Vistara. He announced his resignation in April 2026 and is expected to remain through the transition period, with his tenure running until September 30.

The next phase will arguably be more demanding than the first. Air India now has to convert a large-scale transformation programme into consistent performance on the ground and in the air. That means better punctuality, dependable operations, stronger safety systems, improved customer experience and, ultimately, sustainable profits.

Gebremariam’s record suggests that he understands the scale of such a task. But Air India’s challenges are different from those faced by Ethiopian Airlines, and its transformation involves a much larger and more competitive aviation market.

His immediate challenge will be to bring together people, aircraft, routes, technology and operational systems into one dependable airline. For Air India, the appointment is therefore not simply a change at the top. It is a bet that experience gained from building one of Africa’s strongest carriers can help the Maharaja regain a stronger place in global aviation.

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Beyond

Air India links Amritsar to 27 global destinations

Air India has introduced its Easy Connect service from Amritsar, allowing passengers to travel to 27 international destinations with a single check-in and a smoother transit experience through Delhi. The initiative is aimed at making overseas travel easier for people from Punjab by reducing the hassle of multiple check-ins, baggage collection and repeated immigration procedures during connecting flights.

The airline said the service is part of its efforts to strengthen India’s aviation network by improving connectivity between regional cities and major international destinations. The new facility also supports the government’s vision of developing Indian airports into strong global transit hubs, reducing dependence on foreign airports for international connections.

Under the Easy Connect programme, passengers departing from Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, Amritsar, can complete their check-in for the entire journey at the starting point itself. They receive boarding passes for all flight segments, while their checked baggage is tagged directly to the final international destination. This means travellers do not have to collect and recheck their luggage during transit at Delhi.

The service also allows passengers to complete immigration formalities before boarding the domestic flight from Amritsar. Once they arrive in Delhi, they can move directly to the international departure area without going through immigration again, making the transfer process significantly quicker and more convenient.

Air India has scheduled two daily Easy Connect flights between Amritsar and Delhi to support the programme. These flights are timed to connect efficiently with the airline’s long-haul international departures, ensuring that passengers can board their onward flights with minimal waiting time.

Through the new service, travellers from Amritsar can now reach 27 destinations across North America, Europe, the United Kingdom, Australia, the Middle East and Asia. These include major cities such as New York, Newark, Chicago, San Francisco, Toronto, Vancouver, London, Birmingham, Melbourne, Sydney, Singapore, Dubai, Phuket and Bali. The airline says most onward connections can be completed within a few hours after arriving in Delhi.

For thousands of people in Punjab who regularly travel abroad for employment, higher education, business or family visits, the service promises a much more comfortable journey. Instead of worrying about changing terminals, retrieving baggage or standing in long immigration queues during transit, passengers can enjoy a seamless travel experience from the moment they leave Amritsar until they reach their final destination.

The Easy Connect facility is expected to be particularly beneficial for senior citizens, families travelling with children and first-time international flyers. These passengers often find multiple airport procedures confusing and tiring. By completing most formalities at the departure airport, the programme removes much of the stress associated with international travel.

Air India said the initiative is another important milestone in its ongoing transformation following its acquisition by the Tata Group. Over the past few years, the airline has expanded its international route network, modernised its fleet, upgraded passenger services and invested heavily in improving customer experience. Easy Connect is seen as another step towards building a more integrated and efficient travel network.

The launch also reflects India’s broader hub-and-spoke aviation strategy. Under this model, passengers from regional cities are connected to a major hub airport, such as Delhi, from where they can continue to destinations around the world. This approach allows airlines to offer more international connectivity without operating direct long-haul flights from every city.

A stronger hub-and-spoke network also helps Indian airports compete with major international transit centres like Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi and Singapore. Officials believe that retaining more transit traffic within India will strengthen the country’s aviation sector, generate additional revenue for airports and airlines, and improve the overall passenger experience.

The Amritsar launch follows the successful implementation of Easy Connect at other airports in India. Air India has indicated that it plans to expand the programme further, connecting more domestic cities with its growing international network. The airline is also working on introducing similar facilities for inbound passengers arriving in India from overseas, allowing them to continue their domestic journeys more efficiently.

Industry experts say the initiative could play a major role in boosting tourism, trade and business travel from Punjab. Better international connectivity is expected to benefit exporters, entrepreneurs, students and professionals who frequently travel abroad. It may also encourage more overseas visitors to use Amritsar as a gateway to northern India.

However, some local organisations have expressed concern that increased reliance on connecting flights should not come at the cost of direct international services from Amritsar. They argue that Punjab’s large overseas population still needs more non-stop flights to key destinations. Aviation experts, however, believe that Easy Connect complements direct flights by providing access to a much wider range of cities that may not be commercially viable through non-stop services.

With Amritsar now linked seamlessly to 27 international destinations, Air India is offering travellers from Punjab a simpler way to fly overseas. By combining single check-in, through baggage handling, faster airport transfers and better connectivity, the airline hopes to deliver a more convenient travel experience while supporting India’s ambition of becoming a major global aviation gateway.

Passengers can book Easy Connect itineraries through Air India’s website, mobile application, customer contact centre and authorised travel agents. The airline says the service has been designed to make international travel more efficient, comfortable and reliable while strengthening India’s position as an emerging global aviation hub.

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Beyond

Air India begins Dreamliner safety upgrades

Air India has started upgrading parts of its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet after the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a safety directive highlighting a potential issue with door assist handles on certain aircraft. The airline has clarified that the modifications are purely precautionary and that there is no immediate risk to passengers or flight operations.

The phased upgrade programme is already underway and is being carried out alongside scheduled maintenance to avoid disruptions to domestic and international services. Air India said the work is part of its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of aviation safety and regulatory compliance.

The FAA recently issued an Airworthiness Directive (AD) covering select Boeing 787-8, 787-9 and 787-10 aircraft after receiving reports of door assist handles becoming detached from their lower attachment points during inspections. While the issue was discovered on the ground rather than during flights, the regulator warned that a detached handle could pose a risk of injury to passengers, crew members or maintenance personnel. In an emergency, the defect could also make opening an aircraft door more difficult.

Although the directive has drawn attention, aviation experts stress that it is a preventive measure rather than an indication that the aircraft are unsafe to fly. Airworthiness Directives are regularly issued by aviation regulators worldwide whenever a design improvement or inspection is considered necessary to maintain safety standards.

Air India has responded quickly to the directive by beginning modifications across the affected aircraft in its fleet. According to airline sources, several older Boeing 787 Dreamliners have already undergone the required changes, while the remaining aircraft will be upgraded in phases over the coming months.

The airline currently operates 35 Boeing 787 Dreamliners. The fleet includes 26 Boeing 787-8 aircraft from the legacy Air India fleet and nine Boeing 787-9 aircraft, including those inducted after the merger with Vistara. These aircraft serve several long-haul international destinations and form an important part of the airline’s global network.

Officials familiar with the development said the modifications are being carried out without affecting passengers or scheduled services. Since the work is being integrated into routine maintenance checks, travellers are unlikely to notice any operational changes.

The FAA directive requires airlines to install additional retaining components on the door assist handle assembly to prevent the handle from becoming detached. Depending on the aircraft’s configuration, operators may also need to inspect the support brackets, install identification markings and carry out corrective actions wherever necessary.

These additional retainers are designed to keep the assist handle securely in place, reducing the possibility of accidental separation while the aircraft door is being opened or closed. The FAA said the modification will improve reliability and ensure emergency exits function as intended under all operating conditions.

The issue first came to light during routine inspections when maintenance personnel found that some door assist handles had become disengaged from their attachment points. Although there have been no reported injuries or incidents linked to the problem, regulators chose to act before it could develop into a larger safety concern.

Air India has maintained that there is no immediate operational impact and that passenger safety has never been compromised. The airline’s decision to begin the upgrades immediately reflects its intention to comply with international aviation standards and complete the modifications well within the regulator’s timeline.

The directive is not limited to Air India. Airlines around the world operating affected Boeing 787 aircraft are expected to carry out the required inspections and modifications. In India, IndiGo, which operates leased Boeing 787 Dreamliners for select international routes, will also be required to comply with the directive wherever applicable.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is one of the most widely used long-haul aircraft globally. Known for its fuel efficiency, lightweight composite structure and improved passenger comfort, the aircraft is operated by dozens of international carriers on medium- and long-haul routes.

The safety directives such as these are a routine part of aircraft maintenance. As manufacturers gather operational data from aircraft in service, regulators may identify components that require improvements or additional inspections. Airlines are then required to implement the recommended modifications within specified timelines.

For passengers, the latest development should be viewed as evidence of the aviation industry’s layered safety system rather than a cause for concern. Aircraft manufacturers, airlines and regulators continuously monitor fleet performance to identify even minor issues before they can affect operations.

By beginning the FAA-mandated Boeing 787 Dreamliner upgrades promptly, Air India aims to strengthen passenger confidence while ensuring its fleet continues to meet global safety standards. The phased modifications are expected to be completed without disrupting flight schedules, allowing the airline to continue operating its long-haul network smoothly while reinforcing its commitment to safety, compliance and operational excellence.

Air India’s ongoing fleet upgrade programme also aligns with its broader transformation strategy under the Tata Group. Alongside introducing new aircraft and refurbishing existing cabins, the airline has been investing heavily in engineering, maintenance and operational reliability to improve the overall travel experience.

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Beyond

Air India launches basic fare without complimentary meals

Air India has introduced a new “Basic” fare category on select domestic routes, allowing passengers to book tickets at lower prices by giving up complimentary meals and some other bundled services.

The move is aimed at offering travellers greater flexibility and more affordable travel options, particularly for short-duration flights where many passengers may not require meal services. The airline said the new fare will be available on select domestic routes and is designed for cost-conscious flyers looking for lower ticket prices.

Under the Basic fare, passengers will continue to receive standard cabin baggage and check-in baggage allowances, but complimentary meals will not be included. Travellers who wish to purchase food and beverages during the flight can do so separately. Other fare categories will continue to offer meal services as part of the ticket price.

The introduction of the new fare reflects a broader trend in the aviation industry, where airlines are increasingly unbundling services and allowing customers to pay only for the amenities they need. Low-cost carriers have long followed this model, and full-service airlines are now adopting similar strategies to cater to a wider range of travellers.

Air India said the new option is intended to give customers more choice rather than reduce services across the board. Passengers who value onboard meals and additional benefits can continue to select higher fare categories, while those focused on affordability can choose the lower-priced Basic fare.

For frequent flyers and business travellers, the change may have limited impact, as many continue to prefer fare categories that include added conveniences. However, budget-conscious passengers and those travelling on short routes could benefit from the lower entry-level fares.

This could help Air India compete more effectively in India’s highly competitive domestic aviation market, where price remains a key factor influencing booking decisions. The airline has been expanding its network and revamping customer offerings as part of its ongoing transformation programme under the Tata Group.

The launch signals Air India’s efforts to balance service quality with pricing flexibility as competition intensifies in the country’s rapidly growing aviation sector.

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Beyond

Tata Group asks Air India to rein in losses

The Tata Group has asked Air India to focus on reducing losses and improving financial performance as the airline continues to face mounting costs despite an ambitious transformation programme.

As per reports, Air India has accumulated losses of around $3 billion since returning to Tata ownership in 2022. The scale of the losses has prompted the group to push for tighter cost controls and a stronger focus on profitability.

As part of this effort, Air India is reportedly considering measures to streamline operations, reduce expenses and review parts of its expansion strategy. The airline has been investing heavily in fleet modernisation, technology upgrades, service improvements and the integration of multiple aviation businesses acquired under the Tata umbrella.

Sources cited in reports said the company may look at downsizing certain operations and slowing spending in areas that are not generating adequate returns. The objective is to improve efficiency while continuing with key long-term growth plans.

Air India has undergone a major overhaul since its acquisition by the Tata Group from the Indian government. The airline has placed record aircraft orders, upgraded cabins, expanded international services and worked to improve customer experience in an effort to reclaim its position in the global aviation market.

However, these investments have come at a significant cost. Rising fuel prices, aircraft delivery delays, supply-chain constraints and intense competition in both domestic and international markets have added to financial pressures.

Industry analysts note that while losses are common during large-scale restructuring programmes, investors and management typically expect a clearer path to profitability as transformation efforts progress. The Tata Group is therefore said to be seeking a balance between growth ambitions and financial discipline.

Air India remains central to the Tata Group’s aviation strategy, which also includes the merger and integration of several airline businesses. Company executives are expected to continue pursuing expansion opportunities, but with greater emphasis on controlling costs and improving operational efficiency.

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Corporate

Maharashtra buys Air India building for ₹1,601 cr

The Maharashtra government has acquired Mumbai’s iconic Air India Building at Nariman Point for ₹1,601 crore in a major property transaction aimed at strengthening administrative infrastructure and reducing long-term operational costs.

The purchase, cleared by the state cabinet, will enable the government to relocate several departments currently functioning from rented premises across Mumbai. Officials said the move is expected to improve coordination between departments, streamline administrative processes and generate substantial savings on office rentals over the coming years.

Located in one of India’s most expensive commercial districts, the Air India Building is a 23-storey landmark overlooking Marine Drive. The property was owned by Air India Assets Holding Ltd (AIAHL), which manages the airline’s non-core assets following the privatisation of Air India.

According to the state government, the building’s strategic location and large office space make it suitable for accommodating multiple departments under a single roof. The move is expected to ease logistical challenges faced by government offices operating from different locations across the city.

Officials said Mumbai’s high commercial rentals were a key factor behind the decision. By purchasing the property outright, the government aims to create a permanent administrative centre while reducing recurring expenditure on leased office spaces.

The acquisition is also expected to give a new purpose to one of Mumbai’s most recognised buildings. The Air India Building has been a prominent part of the city’s skyline for decades and remains one of the most valuable properties in the Nariman Point business district.

Before government offices begin shifting to the premises, the building is expected to undergo renovations and infrastructure upgrades. Authorities are likely to prepare a phased transition plan to ensure smooth relocation of departments.

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Beyond

Air India, IndiGo to slash domestic flights from June

India’s two largest airlines, Air India and IndiGo, are set to reduce more than 100 domestic flights each per day starting June, leading to changes in schedules across several routes.

The decision comes as airlines continue to deal with operational pressures, including restricted airspace availability, longer flying times and aircraft-related issues. The temporary cuts are expected to affect multiple domestic sectors, though both carriers have said efforts are being made to minimise inconvenience for passengers.

IndiGo, the country’s largest airline, will reduce around 165 daily flights from its domestic network. Air India is also expected to suspend or reduce over 100 daily services. The revised schedules are likely to remain in place at least until mid-July, according to reports.

A major reason behind the changes is the continued closure of parts of northern airspace following recent geopolitical tensions in the region. With some air routes unavailable, airlines are being forced to take longer paths for several flights, increasing travel time, fuel consumption and operational costs.

Apart from airspace restrictions, airlines are also facing aircraft shortages due to maintenance and engine-related problems. IndiGo has been dealing with grounded aircraft linked to Pratt & Whitney engine issues, while Air India has been adjusting operations as it continues fleet upgrades and maintenance work.

The reduced schedules are expected to impact flights on busy domestic routes connecting metro cities and tourist destinations. Airlines have advised passengers to check flight status before travelling and stay updated through official websites and apps.

Both carriers said affected passengers would be informed in advance and offered options including rescheduling or refunds wherever applicable.

Despite the temporary cuts, aviation experts believe domestic air travel demand in India remains strong. Airlines are expected to restore normal operations gradually once operational constraints ease and more aircraft return to service.

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Beyond

DGCA flags Air India Boeing 787 fuel switch

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered a fresh inspection of the fuel control switch system on an Air India Boeing 787 aircraft after a reported technical anomaly during operations earlier this year.

According to reports, the decision follows concerns raised after pilots on a London–Bengaluru flight observed unusual behaviour in the fuel control switch mechanism during engine start procedures. The switch is a critical component that regulates fuel flow to aircraft engines.

As part of the new safety review, DGCA officials will travel to Boeing’s facility in Seattle, United States, to oversee testing of the removed fuel control switch panel. The regulator has termed the matter “sensitive” and has insisted that the inspection be conducted in the presence of its officers to ensure a thorough evaluation.

The move comes after earlier precautionary inspections across Air India’s Boeing 787 fleet, which had not found any systemic defects in the fuel switch locking mechanism. However, the latest incident has prompted renewed scrutiny of the component, which has been under observation in global aviation safety discussions.

Fuel control switches on the Boeing 787 have been closely monitored by regulators worldwide following past safety concerns and investigations into rare incidents involving engine shutdowns. While previous checks did not confirm a design fault, authorities continue to review isolated reports of abnormal behaviour.

Air India has supported the latest inspection process, stating that the component has already been sent to the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for detailed examination. The airline has reiterated that safety remains its top priority and has cooperated fully with DGCA directives.

The broader investigation is also linked to ongoing reviews of earlier incidents involving Boeing 787 aircraft, including a fatal crash in 2025 in which fuel supply interruption was identified as a critical factor under investigation.

A final report on the overall safety review is expected once the OEM testing and DGCA-supervised analysis are completed.

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Beyond

Air India cuts overseas flights due to fuel costs hike

Air India has announced reductions in several international flights as soaring fuel prices and geopolitical tensions continue to increase pressure on airline operations.

The airline will temporarily reduce services on select overseas routes between June and August as rising aviation turbine fuel (ATF) costs make operations more expensive. The ongoing conflict in West Asia has also affected global aviation by increasing fuel prices and forcing airlines to avoid certain airspaces, leading to longer flight routes and higher operating expenses.

According to reports, Air India has already reduced around 90 flights in May and plans to cut nearly 100 more flights over the next few months. Some international routes may see fewer weekly services, while a few sectors could face temporary suspension depending on demand and operational costs.

The airline clarified that reports circulating on social media claiming all international flights had been cancelled until July were false. Air India said international operations continue across major destinations, though some schedule adjustments are being made to manage costs more effectively.

Flights to certain sensitive destinations, including Tel Aviv, remain suspended because of security concerns linked to the regional conflict. Industry experts say airlines around the world are currently facing similar challenges due to the sharp rise in fuel prices and uncertainty in global markets.

Air India currently operates around 1,200 flights daily across domestic and international routes. However, a weakening rupee, rising crude oil prices and higher operational expenses have added financial pressure on long-haul international services.

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Beyond

Air India to review CEO, cost cuts at May 7 meet

Air India is preparing for an important board meeting on May 7, where it will take a close look at its finances, leadership plans, and ways to cut costs. The meeting comes at a time when the airline is facing rising expenses and significant losses.

The board is expected to review the airline’s performance for the past financial year, during which losses are estimated to have crossed ₹22,000 crore. This has increased the urgency to find ways to reduce spending and improve efficiency.

One of the main areas of focus will be cost control. The airline is likely to consider steps such as cutting unnecessary expenses and possibly changing some services offered to passengers. For example, certain add-ons like meals or lounge access could be separated from ticket pricing to manage costs better.

Another key topic on the agenda is leadership. The airline is in the process of selecting a new chief executive, as current CEO Campbell Wilson is expected to step down later this year. The board may review potential candidates and discuss the transition plan.

Apart from internal challenges, external factors have also added pressure. Higher fuel prices and ongoing global tensions have increased operating costs and affected flight operations. These issues have made it more difficult for the airline to manage its finances.

The meeting is seen as an important step in Air India’s ongoing efforts to turn around its business under the Tata Group. Since returning to private ownership, the airline has been working to improve services, expand operations, and modernise its fleet.

However, the financial challenges remain significant, and the decisions taken at this meeting could shape the next phase of its journey.

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