Air India CEO Designate Highlights Safety and Profitability as Key Priorities
NEW DELHI: Air India’s proposed CEO and Managing Director, Tewolde Gebremariam, outlined key priorities for the airline during his first Town Hall meeting with employees. He emphasized safety, reliability, profitability, and sustainable growth as essential focuses for the struggling airline. Gebremariam’s remarks come amid ongoing scrutiny of Air India’s safety practices and operational discipline, particularly following last June’s Ahmedabad crash and a recent incident involving a pilot’s failed drug test.
The airline faces a challenging external environment, including airspace closures, rising crude oil prices, a weakening rupee, and global economic uncertainty. Gebremariam noted that foreign airlines can overfly Pakistan, which adds to the competitive pressures faced by Indian carriers. He expressed confidence in Air India’s potential, citing India’s favorable demographics, strong economic growth, and a large global diaspora as a solid foundation for future success.
Gebremariam acknowledged the progress made since Tata Group acquired Air India in January 2022, thanking the airline’s over 24,000 employees for their contributions. He recognized the significant opportunities ahead while addressing basic operational issues without making extravagant promises.
Safety
Safety will remain Air India’s foremost priority, according to Gebremariam. He urged employees to feel empowered to voice concerns and report issues, stating, “If you see something, say something.” He emphasized that a robust reporting culture is essential for fostering a strong safety culture within the airline.
Reliability
Gebremariam stressed the importance of reliability in customer experience. He stated that customers should remember Air India for its dependable service, with timely departures and arrivals, as well as efficient baggage handling. In the event of disruptions, he called for transparent communication and swift recovery efforts.
Improving financial performance
While acknowledging external challenges, Gebremariam highlighted the need for Air India to maintain focus on financial performance. He stated that improving both revenue and cost efficiency is crucial, encouraging every employee to contribute to savings that can accumulate across the organization.
Sustainable growth
Gebremariam described growth as essential for business but emphasized that it must be profitable and sustainable. He committed to pursuing expansion in a disciplined manner, ensuring that the airline’s people, fleet, and network are adequately prepared to support this growth.
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