Updated: June 20, 2025, 02:00 PM IST
By Ananya Rao, Aviation Correspondent
Key Takeaways
- Clarification: Tata Group Chairman N. Chandrasekaran denies that Air India CEO Campbell Wilson is a Singapore Airlines (SIA) nominee.
- Background: Speculation arose after former Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel questioned SIA’s influence following the AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad.
- Next Steps: Official Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) report pending; industry experts call for transparent probe.
What Happened?
In the aftermath of the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI‑171 on June 12 in Ahmedabad, which claimed over 270 lives, former Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel publicly suggested that Singapore Airlines (SIA) might wield undue influence over Air India’s leadership. He pointedly asked whether current CEO Campbell Wilson was effectively an “SIA nominee” within Tata‑owned Air India.
Chandrasekaran’s Response
N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons and Air India, issued a pointed clarification:
“Campbell Wilson resigned from Singapore Airlines before joining Air India in July 2022. He was not—and has never been—an SIA nominee. SIA became an equity partner only after Tata’s 25% stake acquisition concurrent with the Vistara merger in 2022, long after Mr. Wilson’s appointment.”
— N. Chandrasekaran, Tata Group Chairman indiatimes.com
Chandrasekaran also refuted claims about maintenance lapses, confirming that the Boeing 787 involved had undergone engine replacements by Turkish Technic and joint Air India–SIA engineering teams in 2023 and 2025.
Expert Analysis
Dr. Aditi Malhotra, Senior Fellow at the Centre for Aviation Policy, underscores the importance of separating operational oversight from board governance:
“Tata’s partnership with SIA enhances technical capabilities but governance remains firmly under Tata Sons’ purview. Assertions to the contrary risk undermining stakeholder confidence during a critical investigation.”
What Happens Next?
- AAIB Report: The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is expected to publish its preliminary findings within 30 days.
- Victim Support: Tata Group has established a dedicated trust fund, pledging ₹50 lakh compensation to each family of the deceased and support for the injured.
- Regulatory Review: The DGCA has ordered one‑time safety checks on all Boeing 787 aircraft operated by Air India; nine have been completed to date .
Fact‑Check
| Claim | Verification |
|---|---|
| Wilson is an SIA nominee on Air India’s board. | False. Mr. Wilson left SIA in July 2022; SIA’s equity partnership began only after his tenure started. |
| Turkish Technic handled the 787 engines exclusively. | Partly false. Engine maintenance was a collaborative effort between Turkish Technic and SIA teams. |
| DGCA ban on Boeing 787 operations across India. | False. Only directed safety checks; no blanket grounding order issued. |
Daily Digest
- June 19: DGCA completes safety checks on ninth Dreamliner – no issues found.
- June 18: Victim support trust fund announced by Tata Group.
- June 17: Industry forum calls for joint SIA–Air India safety audit.
About the Author
Ananya Rao is an aviation journalist with 10 years of experience covering airline safety, regulatory affairs, and industry trends. Formerly with FlightGlobal, she holds a Master’s in Aerospace Policy from the London School of Economics. Connect: LinkedIn, Twitter
