Air India’s multi-year turnaround plan is entering its final stages, according to CEO Campbell Wilson. Speaking at the opening of the airline’s renovated Maharaja Lounge in Delhi, Wilson described the transformation as being in the “morning session on the fifth day” of a five-day cricket test match – a metaphor he’s used repeatedly since taking the helm.
The Turnaround So Far
The analogy isn’t accidental. Wilson’s point is clear: the hardest, most foundational work is done. Since the Tata Group re-acquired Air India in 2022, the airline’s recovery has been structured under the Vihaan.AI program. The first four years have focused on overhauling core systems, including:
- Operational processes
- Training infrastructure
- Procurement procedures
- Safety certifications
These changes are largely behind-the-scenes, but Wilson argues they were essential to stabilizing the airline after decades of financial struggles.
What’s Next for Air India?
The airline has already made significant improvements to its fleet, service quality, and on-time performance. Wilson’s remarks signal that the next phase will focus on refining these gains and accelerating growth. The transition implies that while major structural fixes are complete, Air India is now shifting to a phase of operational excellence and expansion.
The CEO did not specify the exact timeline for completion, but the cricket analogy suggests a sense of urgency. The final day of a test match is when the pressure is highest, and decisive plays determine the outcome. For Air India, that outcome means becoming a profitable, competitive airline in one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets.
The airline’s success hinges on sustaining momentum and avoiding missteps in the final stretch of its turnaround.
