Air India CEO search narrows to Kannan, Aggarwal

Singapore Airlines executive Vinod Kannan and Air ​India’s commercial head Nipun Aggarwal are the two frontrunners ⁠to become the new CEO of Air India, two sources with direct knowledge of the matter said.

The development suggests the search for a ‌new CEO to lead the airline is nearing completion, after New Zealander Campbell Wilson said last month ‌he had resigned as the airline faced persistent losses and ‌regulatory ⁠scrutiny.

The board of Tata Sons, the majority owner of the airline, is discussing both names, a source said. No final decision has been taken, and it is possible another candidate may emerge ​as the favorite.

A spokesperson for ‌Tata Sons did not respond to a request for comment. Air India declined to comment. Mr. Aggarwal and Mr. Kannan did not respond to text messages seeking comment.

Singapore Airlines holds a ‌roughly 25% stake in Air India, with the rest owned ​by Tata Sons.

The choice of a new CEO comes at a crucial time for Air India, which is grappling with heavy losses, heightened regulatory scrutiny following a deadly crash last year, and operational disruptions from the war in Iran, which has driven up costs and compounded the effects of Pakistan’s airspace ban.