Former Civil Aviation Secretary Kharola joins Air India Management Committee

Former Union Civil Aviation Secretary and former Air India Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) Pradeep Singh Kharola has joined Air India’s senior management team as Executive Advisor to the Chairman.

Announcing the development to employees via an internal post on Monday, Air India Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Campbell Wilson said Kharola would become a full member of the airline’s Management Committee with immediate effect.

“I’m pleased to share that Mr Pradeep Singh Kharola will be joining Air India’s senior management team, effective immediately,” Wilson said in an internal communication to employees reviewed by businessline.

According to the communication, Wilson said that Kharola’s experience will be utilised to ensure a smooth transition to a new Chief Executive Officer.

Besides, Wilson indicated that his own tenure is now entering its final months.

“As Executive Advisor to the Chairman, he will be a full member of Air India’s Management Committee where, with my tenure in its final months, his experience will be invaluable in ensuring a smooth leadership transition to a new CEO,” Wilson said.

The appointment assumes significance at a time when Air India is navigating intensive financial strain and operational headwinds.

Furthermore, the airline is undergoing a transformation programme while simultaneously facing heightened regulatory scrutiny and operational challenges.

Meanwhile, Kharola is no stranger to the airline. A 1985-batch IAS officer of the Karnataka cadre, he served as Air India’s Chairman and Managing Director between 2017 and 2019 before being appointed Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation.

As Civil Aviation Secretary between February 2019 and September 2021, Kharola played a key role in overseeing the privatisation process that ultimately culminated in the Tata Group’s acquisition of Air India in January 2022.

Additionally, Kharola’s return to the airline’s leadership structure is expected to provide continuity as well as institutional memory at a time when the carrier is undertaking a multi-billion-dollar transformation programme and preparing for a change in top management.

The development also comes amid efforts by the Tata Group to strengthen governance and regulatory engagement as Air India seeks to accelerate its operational turnaround and long-term growth strategy.