Chairman of Tata Sons, N. Chandrasekaran on Friday urged employees of Air India to tighten cost controls, improve service standards and remain grounded amid a “challenging time” for the aviation sector, even as he reaffirmed the group’s commitment to the airline.
Addressing a town hall at the carrier’s headquarters in Gurugram, Chandrasekaran, who oversees the Tata Group’s businesses including Air India, said that while the airline’s long-term outlook remains strong, the current environment demands sharper execution and discipline. “While our future is bright and we have laid a solid foundation for our ambition, we are going through a challenging time, the impact of which is most visible in the airline industry,” he said.
The Tata Sons chairman stressed that employees must focus on areas within their control. “Our focus should be on what is within our control, where we can improve, be precise on costs and remain grounded in the reality of the situation,” he added, signalling a renewed emphasis on operational efficiency and service delivery.
The address comes at a sensitive moment for the airline, following the resignation of its chief executive officer and managing director Campbell Wilson earlier this week. Wilson, who had joined Air India after its return to the Tata Group, stepped down on April 7, well before the completion of his five-year contract that was due to run until July next year.
Also read: Air India CEO Campbell Wilson resigns
Chandrasekaran sought to reassure employees amid the leadership churn, underlining that the Tata Group remains firmly committed to Air India’s revival and growth plans. “The Tata Group remains committed to the Air India group. The Board is fully supportive and will continue to work closely with the management team,” he said.
He also acknowledged the challenges faced by the airline and its workforce, describing the current phase as a “perfect storm” for the industry. Praising employees for their resilience, he said Air India staff have shown remarkable “tenacity” in navigating difficulties and must continue with the same spirit.
The Tata Group has been investing heavily in modernising Air India’s fleet, upgrading services and restoring its brand since reacquiring the airline.
Chandrasekaran’s remarks indicate that while the broader strategy remains intact, the immediate priority lies in disciplined execution, cost management and delivering a consistent customer experience as the airline navigates industry headwinds.
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