Air India has brought back former chairman and managing director Pradeep Singh Kharola to its senior management team, signalling the start of a planned leadership transition as chief executive Campbell Wilson approaches the end of his tenure.
In a message to employees on Monday evening, Wilson announced that Kharola would join the airline with immediate effect as “executive advisor to the chairman” and “become a full member of Air India’s management committee”.
Tata Sons chairman N. is also the chairman of Air India.
Kharola returns to Air India after a long career in public service. He previously served as the airline’s chairman and managing director between 2017 and 2019 before moving on to become secretary in the ministry of civil aviation. In that role, he was closely involved in the government’s efforts to privatize the national carrier, a process that culminated in the Tata Group’s acquisition of Air India in 2022.
The Economic Times had reported the appointment of Kharola on 17 February.
“Pradip is no stranger to Air India,” Wilson said in the note, adding that Kharola’s experience would be valuable to the airline as it navigates a leadership transition.
“With my tenure in its final months, his experience will be invaluable in ensuring a smooth leadership transition to a new CEO,” said Wilson in his message.
Mint has seen Wilson’s message.
Air India did not immediately respond to Mint’s query on Kharola’s appointment.
Kharola’s appointment comes at a crucial time for Air India. The Tata Group-owned airline is in the middle of a major fleet refurbishment programme and is also searching for a new chief executive. Wilson, who resigned in March, is currently serving his notice period and is expected to leave in September.
The airline is also facing financial challenges. Air India is estimated to have reported a loss of nearly $3 billion in FY26, hurt by foreign exchange losses, airspace disruptions and higher fuel costs, Mint reported earlier.
Air India is currently the largest loss-making entity in the Tata group.
Meanwhile, Singapore Airlines, which owns a 25.1% stake in Air India, has taken a more active role in the airline’s operations. Several executives from the Singapore carrier have moved into senior positions at Air India. These include Jeremy Yew, who oversees engineering and maintenance, and chief operations officer Captain Basil Kwauk, both of whom previously worked at Singapore Airlines.
The appointment at Air India follows the appointment of former British Airways chief executive officer William Walsh as the new CEO of IndiGo, the country’s largest carrier. Walsh is to join the Gurugram-based airline in August. IndiGo also appointed former Air India Express CEO Aloke Singh as its chief strategy officer.