The Air India chief executive officer (CEO) Campbell Wilson, in his townhall with employees on Thursday said that the airline has continued to make steady progress on its transformation journey in global aviation despite a challenging operating environment marked by geopolitical uncertainty, airspace disruptions, fuel price volatility and macroeconomic pressures.
Wilson, who is to exit the airline in September said, “Even amid these headwinds, Air India remains firmly focused on its fleet ambition, with 16 additional Boeing 787-8 aircraft planned for retrofit in 2027 and over 100 new aircraft scheduled to join the Air India Group over the next two years.”
While a few airline officials said that the town hall was Wilson’s (who resigned as the CEO of the airline in April) last before his exits, some others said that he was expected to have a final townhall after his successor Tewolde Gebremariam, former Ethiopian airlines group chief, joins the airline.
Wilson said that over the past six months, airlines have globally faced significant headwinds.
“Despite these challenges, Wilson said Air India has remained focused on building for the long term and continuing to invest in its fleet, product and operational capabilities. The airline’s US$400 million legacy fleet retrofit programme continues to progress well. Retrofit of the legacy narrowbody fleet has been completed, while the widebody retrofit programme is underway and remains on track. Air India has already inducted three retrofitted Boeing 787-8 aircraft this year, with another four expected to enter service before year-end,” he said.
Wilson also informed employees that annual salary increments for all employees, including ground-based staff and cabin crew, will take effect from October 1, 2026.
{{/usCountry}}Wilson also informed employees that annual salary increments for all employees, including ground-based staff and cabin crew, will take effect from October 1, 2026.
{{/usCountry}}“The increment cycle had been deferred earlier this year due to the impact of the Middle East crisis. Air India had recently announced revised pilot remuneration, which will also come into effect from 1 October 2026,” he announced.
The transformation momentum, Wilson said, will accelerate in 2027, with 16 additional Boeing 787-8 aircraft scheduled for retrofit and return to service. “With this, the retrofit of Air India’s B787-8s will be nearly complete by end-2027. Air India Group also plans to induct over 100 new aircraft in 2027 and 2028,..” he said.
Operational performance has strengthened significantly as well, he said adding, “While the path to profitability remains a key focus and external volatility continues to present challenges, Air India remains firmly committed to its long-term transformation strategy.”