Air India's board is actively scouting for a new chief executive to replace Campbell Wilson, following intense regulatory scrutiny over safety lapses after a crash that killed 260 people. The search for new leadership has intensified as the airline faces mounting operational challenges and performance concerns under Tata Group ownership.

Leadership Search Accelerates

Tata Group Chairman N Chandrasekaran has been holding discussions with chief executives from leading UK and US-based international carriers as potential candidates to replace Wilson. The leadership transition is being driven directly by the group chairman, who has grown impatient with the pace of execution and improvement at the airline.

Similar leadership changes are expected at Air India Express, the group's low-cost carrier, where current CEO Aloke Singh's term will also end in 2027.

Safety Concerns Drive Leadership Review

In the aftermath of the world's deadliest aviation disaster in a decade, regulators have flagged multiple problems ranging from flying aircraft without emergency equipment checks to delays in replacing engine parts, maintenance record forgery and shortcomings in managing crew fatigue. Multiple senior officials, including Wilson, have received show-cause notices from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for alleged violations and non-compliance, including operating an aircraft with an expired licence.

Wilson's Mixed Performance Record

Wilson, a New Zealander who joined Air India in July 2022 after a 26-year career at Singapore Airlines, laid out a five-year transformation plan aimed at turning the airline into a global competitor. His tenure has delivered mixed results across various operational areas.

Key Achievements and Challenges

Tata Group was reportedly unhappy with Wilson's performance, despite effectively giving him a blank cheque to fix the airline's problems after its purchase from the Indian government.

Financial Performance Under Pressure

The airline continues to face significant financial challenges as the highest loss-maker in the Tata Group portfolio.

The airline's path to profitability has been significantly impacted by Pakistan's airspace closure, forcing longer routes for international flights, while supply chain challenges have put pressure on service standards and on-time performance.

Strategic Transition Phase

With the critical phase of consolidation, integration, and brand revival following Air India's return to the Tata fold largely in place, Chandrasekaran is seeking greater leadership heft, sharper executional depth, and stronger customer-centric orientation to steer the airline into its next phase of growth and sustained profitability. The conglomerate has invested heavily to modernise the fleet and expand routes, but the airline's turnaround continues to be challenged by operational issues and safety concerns.

Transport Canada has demanded a detailed investigation from Air India after one of its pilots was arrested for being under the influence of alcohol at Vancouver International Airport, calling the December 23 incident a "serious matter" and warning of potential enforcement action including flight authorization suspension.

Incident Details and Police Action

The incident occurred on December 23 at Vancouver International Airport ahead of Air India flight AI186, scheduled to operate from Vancouver to Delhi via Vienna. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) arrested the pilot following a "report of concern" involving the crew member.

Two breathalyzer tests conducted by the police at the airport confirmed the pilot's unfitness for duty, following which he was removed from the aircraft. The flight experienced significant operational disruption:

Regulatory Response and Investigation Demands

In a letter dated December 24, Transport Canada official Ajit Oommen characterized the incident as a violation of Canadian Aviation Regulations, which prohibit flight crew from operating aircraft within 12 hours of consuming alcohol or while under its influence.

Transport Canada has directed Air India to provide findings and details of steps taken to prevent future occurrences by January 26. The agency warned that non-compliance could result in:

Official Responses from Regulators and Airline

Transport Canada confirmed it will engage with Air India as well as aviation authorities in India to ensure "appropriate follow-up actions" are taken. India's aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has acknowledged the incident.

Air India issued a comprehensive statement addressing the incident:

Aviation Safety Regulations and Enforcement

Canadian aviation regulations maintain strict standards regarding alcohol consumption by flight crew members, including a 12-hour prohibition period before duty and zero tolerance for crew members under alcohol influence during operations.

The incident highlights the critical importance of international cooperation in maintaining aviation safety standards and crew fitness protocols. While India's DGCA holds primary regulatory oversight of Air India, Transport Canada emphasized its authority to enforce safety standards for all airlines operating within Canadian airspace.