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Air India Chairman N Chandrasekaran on Monday, September 7, reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to safety, customer trust and operational excellence as the Tata Group-owned carrier enters the next phase of its transformation.
Chandrasekaran, along with outgoing CEO and MD Campbell Wilson and incoming CEO and MD Tewolde Gebremariam, addressed employees at a town hall marking the leadership transition at Air India.
Thanking employees for their contribution over the past four years, Chandrasekaran said Air India holds a unique position in the country and has a special place in the hearts of Indians worldwide.
“For me, bringing Air India back to the Tata Group is one of the most important milestones of my career, a very, very significant event. Air India belongs to a billion people. It is not just another business,” he said.
Chandrasekaran said Air India is one of the few businesses that attracts widespread public attention, with people expressing strong views about the airline. He added that the public’s continued interest in the carrier should be viewed as a strength.
He acknowledged that the past 18 months had been particularly challenging for Air India, citing geopolitical disruptions, airspace closures, fuel price volatility and the tragic AI171 accident as factors that affected the airline’s operations and performance.
Looking ahead, Chandrasekaran said the airline’s next phase would focus on safety, rebuilding customer trust, operational execution and cost discipline.
“The most important thing Air India should aspire to have is trust in the minds of people,” he said.
Chandrasekaran stressed that safety must remain Air India’s highest priority, saying the airline should aim for a safety record that is better than the best airlines in the world.
“Safety is not about what we say. It is about what we do every day,” he said, emphasising the need for world-class processes, rigorous compliance and personal accountability across the organisation.
The chairman also called for greater consistency in customer experience and urged employees to remain agile as the aviation industry faces a rapidly changing operating environment.
He further highlighted the importance of financial sustainability, calling for a stronger culture of cost consciousness across the organisation.
“Every individual in Air India can contribute to improving cost efficiency,” Chandrasekaran said.
Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran on August 12 announced that he would not seek another term, bringing his four-decade career with the Tata Group towards its final chapter. He will continue as chairman until February 20, 2027, when his current tenure ends, and has asked the Tata Sons board to begin the succession process to ensure a smooth transition. Chandrasekaran joined Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) in 1987 and rose to lead the technology company before taking charge of Tata Sons.
Also Read: Air India sacks pilot of Phuket-Delhi flight after positive psychoactive substance test
Chandrasekaran, along with outgoing CEO and MD Campbell Wilson and incoming CEO and MD Tewolde Gebremariam, addressed employees at a town hall marking the leadership transition at Air India.
Thanking employees for their contribution over the past four years, Chandrasekaran said Air India holds a unique position in the country and has a special place in the hearts of Indians worldwide.
“For me, bringing Air India back to the Tata Group is one of the most important milestones of my career, a very, very significant event. Air India belongs to a billion people. It is not just another business,” he said.
Chandrasekaran said Air India is one of the few businesses that attracts widespread public attention, with people expressing strong views about the airline. He added that the public’s continued interest in the carrier should be viewed as a strength.
He acknowledged that the past 18 months had been particularly challenging for Air India, citing geopolitical disruptions, airspace closures, fuel price volatility and the tragic AI171 accident as factors that affected the airline’s operations and performance.
Looking ahead, Chandrasekaran said the airline’s next phase would focus on safety, rebuilding customer trust, operational execution and cost discipline.
“The most important thing Air India should aspire to have is trust in the minds of people,” he said.
Chandrasekaran stressed that safety must remain Air India’s highest priority, saying the airline should aim for a safety record that is better than the best airlines in the world.
“Safety is not about what we say. It is about what we do every day,” he said, emphasising the need for world-class processes, rigorous compliance and personal accountability across the organisation.
The chairman also called for greater consistency in customer experience and urged employees to remain agile as the aviation industry faces a rapidly changing operating environment.
He further highlighted the importance of financial sustainability, calling for a stronger culture of cost consciousness across the organisation.
“Every individual in Air India can contribute to improving cost efficiency,” Chandrasekaran said.
Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran on August 12 announced that he would not seek another term, bringing his four-decade career with the Tata Group towards its final chapter. He will continue as chairman until February 20, 2027, when his current tenure ends, and has asked the Tata Sons board to begin the succession process to ensure a smooth transition. Chandrasekaran joined Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) in 1987 and rose to lead the technology company before taking charge of Tata Sons.
Also Read: Air India sacks pilot of Phuket-Delhi flight after positive psychoactive substance test
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