The Conversation - CAMPBELL WILSON, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, AIR INDIA

CAMPBELL WILSON HAS HAD TURBULENT 11 MONTHS AS CEO IN CHARGE OF AIR INDIA. AMIDST THE 470 AIRCRAFT ORDER-THE BIGGEST IN AVIATION HISTORY-AND THE MANAGEMENT TEAM'S ONGOING EFFORT TO TURN AROUND THE LEGACY CARRIER, WILSON TALKS TO FORTUNE INDIA ABOUT THE REVIVAL JOURNEY SO FAR AND WHAT'S LEFT TO BE DONE

- ANJULI BHARGAVA

FLYING START

What has been your primary focus after taking charge?

Air India had not received investment in technology, people or product for a while. So, its environment was not as confident about the future as it could have been. We have begun to change this by investing heavily in these areas. We are on a massive recruitment drive. We are investing $200 million in upgrading technology and IT systems and $400 million for refurbishment of the existing wide-body fleet. And last, but not the least, the $70 billion aircraft order makes the message loud and clear—Air India is set to make its mark on the global stage.

Passengers are keen on improvement in service. When is that likely to become more visible?

There has already been a qualitative improvement in services on offer. Ontime performance has improved, as has catering, both domestically and internationally. We have refitted a good proportion of the fleet with new carpets, cushions, seat covers and curtains—100% of required improvements have been carried out for first and business class and about 80% for economy class.

What are your three priorities?