Newly Appointed Air India's CEO Tewolde Was Reportedly Set to Lead Pak's PIA

Air India has appointed former Ethiopian Airlines chief Tewolde Gebremariam as its Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, weeks after he was reportedly expected to take charge of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), which was awaiting mandatory security clearances before announcing him as its chief executive.

The Tata Group-owned airline said the appointment followed a global search for a leader with proven experience in large-scale airline transformation, operational excellence, safety management and profitable expansion.

Was Reportedly PIA's Preferred Choice

Media reports in July had suggested that Tewolde had emerged as the preferred candidate to head Pakistan International Airlines after the carrier's management was transferred to a consortium led by the Arif Habib Group.

According to those reports, PIA had shortlisted the veteran aviation executive for the role, but the appointment was never formally announced.

Reports also claimed the airline was awaiting mandatory security clearances before making his appointment public. A senior PIA official had reportedly said the airline would not announce his name until the clearance process was completed, while a major shareholder described him as a capable turnaround specialist.

Had the appointment gone ahead, Tewolde was expected to spearhead PIA's revival through fleet modernisation, network expansion and operational reforms following the airline's privatisation.

Air India Secures Appointment First

Instead, Air India confirmed Tewolde's appointment as its CEO and Managing Director, marking a key leadership change as the airline enters the next phase of its transformation under the Tata Group.

Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran said Tewolde's track record in building Ethiopian Airlines into one of the world's most efficient and profitable airline groups made him uniquely qualified to lead Air India.

He said Tewolde's operational expertise, focus on safety and experience in developing global aviation hubs would be instrumental as the airline accelerates its growth plans.

Who Is Tewolde Gebremariam?

Tewolde served as Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Airlines Group from 2011 until his retirement in March 2022 after nearly four decades with the airline.

During his tenure, Ethiopian Airlines expanded into Africa's largest airline group, significantly increasing its fleet, international route network and maintenance capabilities while establishing Addis Ababa as one of the continent's leading aviation hubs. The airline also strengthened its profitability and global competitiveness under his leadership.

He stepped down in 2022 citing health reasons.

Focus on Expansion and Profitability

Accepting the appointment, Tewolde described it as "a profound honour" to lead Air India at a pivotal moment in its transformation.

He said he looked forward to delivering exceptional operational reliability, warm Indian hospitality and sustained long-term growth.

Air India said the leadership transition signals its move from the stabilisation phase to a new chapter focused on profitability, global expansion, an enhanced passenger experience and stronger international connectivity.

The airline also thanked outgoing CEO Campbell Wilson for leading fleet modernisation, merger integration and governance reforms during his tenure.