Former CEO of Africa’s leading airline hired to rescue India’s second-largest carrier after record losses of more than $2 billion

The East African executive replaces New Zealand-born Campbell Wilson, who resigned in April after four years in charge and will serve out his notice until September 30.

Gebremariam takes over as the airline enters a critical phase of restructuring amid widening losses, operational disruptions and increased regulatory scrutiny following the fatal crash of an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner in June 2025.

Air India said Gebremariam would lead its next phase of execution and expansion after an initial restructuring that included the merger with Vistara, a brand overhaul and major aircraft commitments.

“Having completed the initial phase of stabilisation, integration and fleet commitments under Campbell’s guidance, Air India is now entering a critical execution and expansion era. Tewolde’s track record in building one of the world’s most efficient and profitable airlines makes him uniquely suited to lead Air India,” Tata Sons Chair N. Chandrasekaran said in a statement.

Despite restructuring and stronger revenue since Tata Group regained ownership in 2022, Air India, the country’s second-largest carrier, remains under financial pressure as its losses continue to mount.

According to the airline’s financial filings, revenue rose 15% to ₹786.36 billion, about $8.9 billion, in the 2024/25 financial year, from ₹665.56 billion, about $8 billion, a year earlier. However, its annual loss widened to ₹108.59 billion, about $1.25 billion.

The financial strain deepened in the year ending March 2026, when Air India Group recorded a loss of about $2.8 billion, according to the annual results of Singapore Airlines, which owns roughly 25% of the carrier.

At the same time, Pakistan’s airspace restrictions on Indian airlines and conflict in the Middle East have forced the carrier to use longer routes, increasing fuel costs and flight times.

The June 2025 Dreamliner crash, which killed 260 people, added further pressure by placing Air India’s operations, maintenance procedures and safety systems under renewed scrutiny.

Chandrasekaran has since warned that Air India’s full turnaround could take between five and 10 years.

Against this background, Gebremariam arrives with more than three decades of aviation experience and a record of expanding Ethiopian Airlines into Africa’s largest carrier.

He led the state-owned airline for 11 years before stepping down in March 2022 because of health concerns.

During his tenure, Ethiopian Airlines’ fleet grew from 33 aircraft to about 130, annual passenger numbers rose from three million to 12 million before the COVID-19 pandemic, and revenue increased from about $1 billion to nearly $5 billion.

Beyond expanding the fleet and route network, Gebremariam oversaw about $1 billion in investments around the airline’s Addis Ababa hub.

The projects included Africa’s largest air cargo terminal, an aviation university, aircraft maintenance hangars, a catering centre and a 1,000-room hotel.

These investments helped Ethiopian Airlines expand beyond passenger travel, generate revenue from cargo, training, maintenance and hospitality services, and strengthen Addis Ababa’s position as a major centre for African aviation.

In addition, Gebremariam supported Ethiopian Airlines’ expansion across the continent through stakes or partnerships with carriers in Malawi, Zambia, Togo and Mozambique.

Gebremariam’s record includes managing two of the aviation industry’s most serious crises, beginning with the March 2019 crash of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302, which killed all 157 people on board and prompted the carrier to ground its remaining Boeing 737 MAX aircraft that day.

About a year later, the COVID-19 pandemic brought most international passenger travel to a halt.

In response, Ethiopian Airlines expanded its cargo operations rather than rely on a direct government bailout, using dedicated freighters and converted passenger aircraft to transport goods, medical supplies and vaccines.

Its earlier investment in cargo infrastructure helped the airline remain operational as passenger demand collapsed.

After leaving Ethiopian Airlines, Gebremariam broadened his international experience by advising Delta Air Lines on international business and the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation on aviation and logistics investments in emerging markets.

Gebremariam now faces a larger and more complex assignment at Air India, where he will oversee efforts to strengthen safety compliance, improve operational reliability and modernise the fleet.

He must also control rising costs, support international expansion and complete the integration of Air India’s businesses.

“I look forward to working closely with Chairman Chandrasekaran, the Board, our employees, and all government and industry partners to deliver exceptional operational reliability, warm Indian hospitality, and sustained long-term growth,” Gebremariam said.

His appointment marks a rare move by a major Asian flag carrier to recruit an African executive to lead its operations..