CHRISTCHURCH— Former Air India (AI) chief executive Campbell Wilson is set to return to a senior aviation leadership role after Air New Zealand (NZ) announced plans to appoint him to its board of directors.
His appointment will take effect on September 24, 2026, when the airline holds its annual shareholders’ meeting.
Wilson, a New Zealand native with more than 30 years of aviation experience, will join the board alongside former chief financial officer Robert McDonald.
Air New Zealand operates from Auckland Airport (AKL) and is entering the leadership change as it manages aircraft delivery delays, engine-related problems and higher fuel costs.
Wilson Joins Air New Zealand Board
Air New Zealand said Wilson and McDonald will become directors following shareholder approval at the annual meeting.
Their appointments are expected to add extensive airline management and financial experience to the board as the carrier works through a difficult operating environment.
Wilson brings experience from several major aviation roles, including more than two decades with Singapore Airlines and his position as founding chief executive of Scoot.
He took charge of Air India in July 2022 after Tata Group regained control of the carrier and began a large-scale transformation of its operations and business structure.
Air India Transformation Under Wilson
During Wilson’s nearly four-year tenure, Air India pursued a broad modernization program that included fleet expansion, network development, operational restructuring and the integration of Tata Group’s airline businesses.
Air India added more than 100 aircraft to its fleet during the period and advanced major investments in training, maintenance and aircraft interiors.
The airline also completed the merger of four airlines into two operating brands as part of Tata Group’s wider aviation strategy.
Wilson had informed Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran in 2024 that he intended to step down in 2026, allowing the company to prepare for a leadership transition.
Air India confirmed his resignation on April 7, 2026, and appointed former Ethiopian Airlines Group chief executive Tewolde Gebremariam as his successor in August.
Wilson’s departure followed a period marked by aircraft delivery and supply-chain challenges, financial pressure and increased regulatory scrutiny.
Air New Zealand Faces Major Challenges
Wilson’s arrival comes as Air New Zealand faces several pressures affecting its fleet and financial performance.
Delayed aircraft deliveries and ongoing engine issues have complicated fleet planning, while higher fuel costs linked to conflict in the Middle East have added pressure to airline expenses.
His aviation background could provide Air New Zealand with experience in fleet planning, international expansion, operational transformation and airline restructuring.
The board appointment also brings a New Zealand-born aviation executive back into a leadership position at the country’s flag carrier.
McDonald will provide additional financial and governance expertise to the board. He currently chairs Contact Energy and serves as a director of FleetPartners Group, giving the airline further experience across corporate and financial management, Financial Express reported.
The appointments will become effective on September 24, placing Wilson in his new role only months after leaving Air India. His return to board-level aviation leadership marks a new chapter following his work on one of the industry’s largest airline transformation programs in recent years.
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