Air India has appointed former Chairman and Managing Director Pradeep Singh Kharola as Executive Advisor to the Chairman, effective immediately, marking the return of one of India’s most experienced aviation administrators to the Tata Group-owned airline at a crucial stage in its transformation journey.
A former Secretary in the Ministry of Civil Aviation and a veteran civil servant, Kharola will work closely with Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran and the airline’s leadership team. His appointment comes as the airline prepares for a leadership transition and continues to execute its long-term growth and modernisation strategy.
Announcing the appointment through an internal communication, Air India Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Campbell Wilson said Kharola’s extensive experience would play a vital role in ensuring a smooth leadership transition. Wilson, whose tenure is entering its final months, stated, “With my tenure in its final months, his experience will be invaluable in ensuring a smooth leadership transition to a new CEO.”
Kharola previously served as Chairman and Managing Director of Air India before the airline’s privatisation and later became Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, where he played a key role during the government’s disinvestment process that culminated in the airline’s return to the Tata Group.
His return coincides with Air India’s search for a successor to Campbell Wilson. Among the leading contenders for the chief executive role are Chief Commercial Officer Nipun Aggarwal and Vinod Kannan, former CEO of Vistara and Senior Vice President at Singapore Airlines.
The appointment also comes at a significant time for the carrier as it navigates several operational and strategic challenges. Air India continues to deal with the aftermath of the June 12, 2025, Ahmedabad aircraft crash, while also managing financial pressures arising from the ongoing conflict in West Asia and the continued closure of Pakistan’s airspace to Indian airlines.
As Air India accelerates its transformation under Tata Group ownership, Kharola’s return is expected to provide valuable institutional knowledge and strategic guidance during a period of leadership transition, network expansion, fleet modernisation, and organisational restructuring. His deep understanding of both government policy and airline operations is expected to support the carrier as it advances its ambition of becoming a globally competitive full-service airline.
