Air India's CEO-designate Campbell Wilson can finally take charge of the airline officially after relevant authorities gave him the green signal following a screening procedure. Wilson had been waiting for this for more than two months, ever since his name was announced as AI's top boss.

Security clearance received

India's Ministry of Home Affairs has given Campbell Wilson the much-awaited security clearance required for him to handle Air India's affairs officially. This brings an end to the carrier's long-standing efforts to find a suitable candidate who can lead from the top.

Wilson had been waiting for the clearance since May, when his name was announced as Air India's CEO. Earlier this month, the aviation ministry had written to the home ministry regarding the matter, and it was said that the approval was right around the corner.

This is said to be a routine procedure, as, under civil aviation rules, clearance of the home ministry is mandatory for the appointment of key personnel at airlines, including foreigners. Still, given that Wilson's appointment came close on the heels of Ilker Ayci's exit, a formal clearance was needed for reassurance.

About Campbell Wilson

Wilson is an aviation veteran with more than 25 years of industry experience, starting out as a management trainee with Singapore Airlines in New Zealand in 1996.

He grew his role in the company, eventually serving as the senior vice president of sales and marketing of Singapore Airlines, where he oversaw pricing, distribution, e-commerce, merchandising, brand and marketing, global sales, and the airline's overseas offices.

Wilson eventually returned to Singapore as the CEO of its low-cost arm, Scoot. On May 12th, the Tata Group announced his name as the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Air India, bringing months of intense headhunting to an end.

Task ahead

While many of Air India's challenges are common with carriers around the world, some are unique to the airline, given its history and working culture over the years. The Tatas are attempting to turn around the carrier's fortunes by reshuffling its workforce from top to bottom and investing in new planes and technology.

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But to turn it into a world-class carrier competing with the best internationally, a leader is required who can identify and resolve issues plaguing Air India. Now that Wilson's appointment has received the official seal of the Indian government, the Tatas would be more than happy to hand over the reins of the airline that he has been appointed to head.

Since his appointment, Wilson has been observing the workings of Air India and taking stock of the situation. In June, he even visited the Air India office and talked about the areas that could be improved and overall agreed with the Tata Group's ambitious vision for the airline.

Here's wishing him all the luck for the tremendous task that awaits him.

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