During a town‑hall meeting on Thursday, Air India CEO Campbell Wilson urged employees to act honestly even when no one watches. He warned that those who break rules will face harsher penalties in the future. His message was clear: integrity is non‑negotiable.
Wilson reminded staff that the airline has already fired around 1,000 employees for various violations since it was privatized in January 2022. These departures were part of a broader effort to enforce discipline. The airline has been tightening its enforcement since the change in ownership.
He said some people still think rules do not apply to them. Wilson called on employees to report any misconduct they see. He stressed that the chances of getting away are shrinking.
Wilson also announced that he will step down as chief executive and managing director. He will leave the company next month, after a tenure that saw many reforms. His resignation comes as the airline works to strengthen its culture.
The comments came after a pilot‑in‑command of a Phuket‑to‑Delhi flight tested positive for a psychoactive substance. The flight lost 300 feet in altitude during cruise on August 4, raising safety concerns. The incident highlighted the need for stricter oversight.
Wilson said that since the airline was taken over by the Tata Group, new systems and controls have been introduced. These measures aim to detect and prevent abuse, catch violations early, and deal with them swiftly. He promised further tightening of these controls.
Air India was acquired by the Tata Group in January 2022. The new ownership has pushed for reforms to make the airline profitable and safe. The company now faces the challenge of balancing growth with strict compliance.