The “Maharaja” is at a crossroads. As Air India continues its ambitious five-year transformation plan under the Tata Group, the industry is buzzing with one critical question: Who will be the next Air India CEO in 2027?
With the current CEO Campbell Wilson’s tenure scheduled to conclude in mid-2027—and reports suggesting the Tata Group is already scouting for a successor—the hunt for a leader who can navigate the complex skies of Indian aviation has officially begun.
In this article, we dive deep into the potential candidates, the challenges they face, and why the next appointment will be the most significant in Air India’s modern history.
The Current State of Leadership: Why a Change is Coming
Campbell Wilson, a Singapore Airlines veteran, took the reins in July 2022. His mission was clear: consolidate four airlines into two (Air India and Air India Express) and restore the carrier’s global prestige.
While the Vistara-Air India merger was executed with surgical precision, the journey hasn’t been without turbulence. Persistent supply chain issues, delays in aircraft refurbishment, and a tragic incident in Ahmedabad in 2025 have intensified the pressure. Reports from early 2026 indicate that Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran is looking for “fresh energy” and “deeper operational expertise” to steer the airline toward sustainable profitability.
Key Factors Driving the 2027 Transition:
- Term Completion: Both Campbell Wilson and Air India Express CEO Aloke Singh see their contracts ending in 2027.
- Operational Targets: The airline is under pressure to break even and improve on-time performance (OTP).
- Regulatory Scrutiny: Increased oversight from the DGCA following safety concerns.
Potential Candidates for the Air India CEO Role (2027)
The Tata Group is known for casting a wide net, often looking at both global aviation experts and internal heavyweights. While no official shortlist has been released, industry insiders and analysts are looking at several high-profile names.
1. The Global Experts (International Hires)
The Tata Group has already reportedly held preliminary discussions with CEOs of major UK and US-based carriers. They are looking for someone with experience in managing large-scale domestic and international operations.
- Candidates from the “Big Three” (USA): Executives from Delta, United, or American Airlines who have managed massive fleet renewals and complex hub operations.
- European Veterans: Leaders from the Lufthansa Group or IAG (British Airways/Iberia) known for their cost-efficiency and premium service standards.
2. Internal Tata & Singapore Airlines (SIA) Talent
Given that Singapore Airlines owns 25.1% of the merged Air India, the “SIA DNA” remains a strong contender for the top job.
- Vinod Kannan (Ex-Vistara CEO): Having successfully led Vistara to become India’s favorite premium airline and currently serving as the Chief Integration Officer, Kannan is a natural “insider” candidate. He understands the Tata-SIA synergy better than anyone.
- SIA Senior VPs: Singapore Airlines has a deep bench of talent that has historically been the “finishing school” for global airline CEOs.
3. The “Turnaround” Specialists
Air India needs someone who can fix the “plumbing”—the engineering, the cabin quality, and the ground handling.
- Ex-IndiGo Executives: With IndiGo dominating the Indian skies, a leader who understands the “Indian psyche” and operational frugality could be high on the list.
- Restructuring Pros: Leaders who have navigated airlines through post-merger integrations in other markets (like the Middle East or SE Asia).
Comparison Table: Candidate Profiles at a Glance
| Candidate Category | Likely Strengths | Key Challenge |
|---|---|---|
| Global CEO (US/UK) | Scale, global network expertise, investor confidence | Cultural adaptation to the Indian market |
| Vinod Kannan (Internal) | Continuity, proven track record with Vistara/Tata | Transitioning from a boutique airline to a massive legacy carrier |
| Domestic Veteran | Understanding of Indian regulations & labor unions | Managing a global long-haul network |
| SIA Nominee | Operational excellence, premium service focus | Navigating Tata Group’s internal corporate structure |
The “Day 1” Challenges for the New CEO
Whoever takes the hot seat in 2027 won’t have the luxury of a honeymoon period. They will inherit a massive order of over 500 aircraft and a brand that is still in the middle of a “reconstruction.”
- Sustainable Profitability: Moving from “loss-making” to “break-even” is the #1 priority for Tata Sons.
- Product Consistency: Ensuring that a flight from Delhi to New York offers the same premium experience as a world-class competitor.
- Safety Culture: Rebuilding trust and streamlining engineering processes to avoid regulatory hurdles.
Expert Insights: What the Industry Says
“The next CEO of Air India needs to be more than just an aviation expert; they need to be a diplomat and a visionary. They are not just running an airline; they are rebuilding a national icon under the intense scrutiny of the global market.” — Aviation Analyst, Mumbai.
Final Thoughts: The Road to 2027
The search for the next Air India CEO is a signal that the Tata Group is entering “Phase 2” of its ownership—moving from integration to excellence. While Campbell Wilson laid the foundation, the 2027 leader will be the one expected to build the skyscraper.
Whether the choice is an internal veteran like Vinod Kannan or a global titan from the West, the goal remains the same: making the Maharaja fly high once again.
