Air India CEO Campbell Wilson has cautioned that the ongoing global aircraft shortage, which is disrupting airline expansion plans, is expected to persist for at least four to five more years. The delays stem from supply chain disruptions that continue to impact major aircraft manufacturers Boeing and Airbus.
Speaking at an industry event hosted by travel news website Skift, Wilson highlighted that several critical components, including narrowbody jet engines, premium cabin seats, and elements of aircraft fuselages, remain in short supply.
Under the leadership of the Tata Group, Air India is undergoing an ambitious transformation to reclaim its status as a premier global airline. However, supply constraints and delayed aircraft deliveries have posed significant challenges to the airline’s restructuring efforts.
Due to these setbacks, Air India has been forced to continue operating older aircraft beyond their planned service life, leading to increased maintenance costs and a slowdown in its modernization initiatives.
When asked how Air India plans to mitigate the impact of aircraft shortages, Air India CEO Campbell Wilson stated:
"There is not a lot we can do. We are victims of circumstance, as is every other airline."
He emphasized that given the constrained capacity, the airline must make strategic decisions on aircraft deployment to maximize returns. The shortage has also restricted Air India’s ability to expand into new markets.
Wilson further noted that leasing aircraft is becoming increasingly difficult due to competition among airlines and varying aircraft configurations. As airlines scramble to secure available jets, lease rates have surged, complicating Air India’s fleet expansion strategy.
As part of its long-term growth strategy, Air India placed an order for 470 aircraft from Boeing and Airbus in 2023, including 10 Boeing 777X aircraft and 190 Boeing 737 MAX jets. In late 2023, the airline expanded its order with an additional 100 Airbus planes.
Despite these orders, the delivery of Boeing’s 777X jets remains uncertain. When asked about their expected arrival, Wilson remarked:
"Who knows?"
His response reflects widespread industry uncertainty about Boeing’s ability to deliver the aircraft, which is positioned as the next-generation successor to the highly successful Boeing 777 long-haul jet.
Last month, Wilson disclosed that Air India is refraining from exercising options for additional Boeing jets until the manufacturer successfully clears its existing backlog.
Boeing has been struggling to ramp up production following a crippling worker strike last year and ongoing regulatory restrictions. Currently, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has capped Boeing’s 737 MAX production at 38 aircraft per month, further exacerbating supply shortages.
When contacted for comment, Boeing did not immediately respond.
Campbell Wilson is a seasoned aviation executive with over 26 years of experience in the airline industry. He is currently the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director (CEO & MD) of Air India, a position he assumed in June 2022 after the Tata Group acquired the airline from the Indian government. Wilson has been leading Air India's ambitious transformation plan, focusing on fleet modernization, operational efficiency, and global expansion.
Before Air India, Wilson worked extensively with Singapore Airlines (SIA), where he held various leadership roles across multiple markets.
He was the founding CEO of Scoot, Singapore Airlines’ low-cost subsidiary, where he played a pivotal role in establishing and scaling the airline.
Over the years, he has held senior positions in Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore, gaining expertise in international airline management.
Under his leadership, Air India has embarked on a multi-billion-dollar revamp, including a 470-aircraft order from Boeing and Airbus, the largest in India’s aviation history. Wilson is also overseeing digital transformation, service enhancement, and improved operational efficiency to reposition Air India as a world-class airline. However, his tenure has also been marked by challenges, including aircraft shortages and supply chain constraints affecting global aviation.
With his vast experience and strategic vision, Wilson continues to drive Air India’s resurgence, aiming to restore its position as a leading international carrier.
The global aircraft shortage remains a formidable challenge for Air India and other airlines worldwide, with supply chain disruptions at Boeing and Airbus expected to persist for at least four years. Despite Air India’s ambitious transformation under the Tata Group, these constraints have slowed fleet modernization and expansion plans, forcing the airline to extend the lifespan of its older aircraft.
CEO Campbell Wilson’s remarks highlight the airline industry’s struggle to secure timely aircraft deliveries, particularly for the much-anticipated Boeing 777X. As leasing options remain limited and competition intensifies, airlines must adopt strategic deployment of their existing fleets to maximize profitability.
While Air India has placed significant orders to boost its capabilities, uncertainties in production timelines continue to pose operational hurdles. Moving forward, the airline's success will depend on its ability to navigate supply chain bottlenecks while maintaining service efficiency and expanding into high-demand routes.