In a significant leadership reshuffle within the Tata Group’s aviation empire, Air India CEO Campbell Wilson will be stepping down from his additional role as the Chairman of the low-cost carrier Air India Express.
This move, part of the Tata Group’s ongoing multi-billion-dollar restructuring and expansion strategy for Air India, will see Nipun Aggarwal, the current Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of Air India, take over the chairmanship of Air India Express.
Wilson, who assumed the chairmanship of Air India Express in June 2022 alongside his responsibilities as CEO and MD of Air India, announced his decision in an internal communication to employees on Tuesday.
He stated that the past 18 months have seen the completion of crucial structural changes aimed at transforming and rebuilding the Air India Group. This includes the consolidation of four airlines into two – the full-service Air India (following its merger with Vistara in November 2024) and the low-cost Air India Express (formed through the merger with AIX Connect, formerly AirAsia India, in October 2024).
With this foundational work largely complete, Wilson explained that the focus will now shift towards fully leveraging and optimizing the Group’s fleet, network, sales, distribution, and loyalty assets. To facilitate greater coordination between the full-service and low-cost arms, Wilson deemed it the right time for him to step down as Chairman of Air India Express.
Nipun Aggarwal, a key figure in the Tata Group’s acquisition and subsequent restructuring of Air India since joining in January 2022, will assume the chairmanship of Air India Express while continuing his duties as Air India’s CCO. Aggarwal has been instrumental in various strategic areas, including aircraft acquisition, financing, and business strategy for the Air India Group.
To further ensure operational synergy between the two airlines, Air India’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), Captain Basil Kwauk, will also join the board of Air India Express, replacing Wilson, pending necessary regulatory approvals. Both Aggarwal and Kwauk will retain their existing roles at Air India, ensuring a cohesive leadership approach across the Group.
Wilson emphasized his continued interest in the progress and success of Air India Express and pledged his full support to Aggarwal and Kwauk in their expanded roles. This leadership transition signals the Tata Group’s commitment to streamlining its aviation business and maximizing the potential of its two distinct airline entities.
Air India Express, under the leadership of its Managing Director Aloke Singh, has been focused on expanding its fleet and network, aiming to connect smaller cities to major hubs and increase its presence in both domestic and short-haul international markets. The appointment of Aggarwal as Chairman is expected to further strengthen the strategic direction and alignment between Air India and its low-cost subsidiary as they navigate a competitive aviation landscape and ambitious growth plans.
Summary:
- Air India CEO Campbell Wilson is stepping down as Chairman of Air India Express to facilitate better synergy within the Tata Group’s airline operations.
- Nipun Aggarwal, Air India’s Chief Commercial Officer, will take over as the new Chairman of Air India Express.
- Air India’s Chief Operating Officer, Captain Basil Kwauk, will also join the board of Air India Express, replacing Wilson.
- This leadership change comes after the merger of Tata’s four airlines into two and a focus shift towards optimizing fleet, network, and sales.
- Wilson will continue as Air India’s CEO and MD, overseeing the overall performance of the Air India Group.