Wilson joins as Air New Zealand tackles fleet delays, engine problems and higher fuel costs
Former Air India CEO and managing director Campbell Wilson is set to join the board of Air New Zealand, returning to a senior role in the aviation industry months after stepping down from the top job at the Tata Group-owned airline.
Air New Zealand said on Wednesday that it will appoint Wilson and former chief financial officer Robert McDonald as directors, with their appointments taking effect on September 24, when the airline holds its annual shareholders’ meeting.
The appointments come at a challenging time for New Zealand’s national carrier. Air New Zealand is dealing with delayed aircraft deliveries, persistent engine problems and higher fuel costs linked to the conflict in West Asia.
Wilson, a New Zealand native, has more than three decades of experience in the aviation industry.
He joined Air India as CEO and managing director in July 2022 after a long career with Singapore Airlines. Wilson stepped down from Air India in April 2026 after nearly four years in the role, as the airline continued to face financial losses and heightened regulatory scrutiny following the June 2025 crash in Ahmedabad that killed 260 people.
Wilson had been brought in to lead Air India’s transformation after the Tata Group acquired the airline from the Indian government in 2022.
More from BusinessHis tenure coincided with an ambitious expansion of Air India’s fleet and international network, as Tata Group sought to rebuild the carrier into a major global airline.
However, the airline continued to report losses while facing operational and regulatory challenges. Wilson’s departure came as Air India sought a new leadership structure for its next phase of transformation.
From Singapore Airlines to Scoot
Before joining Air India, Wilson spent about 26 years at Singapore Airlines, holding several senior positions across the airline and its low-cost subsidiary Scoot.
He was the founding CEO of Scoot, Singapore Airlines’ low-cost carrier, and helped establish its distinct brand and operating culture.
Wilson’s experience therefore spans both full-service and low-cost airline models, as well as airline operations, commercial strategy and international aviation.
That experience could prove valuable to Air New Zealand as it manages capacity, fleet availability and rising operating costs.
Air New Zealand faces fleet and fuel pressures
Air New Zealand is currently navigating several challenges affecting airlines globally.
Delays in aircraft deliveries have complicated fleet planning, while persistent engine problems have affected aircraft availability. At the same time, higher fuel prices have increased pressure on airline operating costs.
The conflict in West Asia has added to uncertainty in global energy markets, with airlines particularly exposed to movements in jet fuel prices.
For Air New Zealand, the combination of fleet constraints and higher costs comes as it seeks to maintain its domestic and international network.
Wilson’s aviation background could give the board additional industry expertise as the carrier works through these pressures.
Robert McDonald also joins board
Wilson will join the board alongside Robert McDonald, who brings extensive financial and corporate governance experience.
McDonald is currently chair of Contact Energy and a director at FleetPartners Group. His background includes senior financial and board-level roles.
The appointments will strengthen the board’s combination of aviation, financial and corporate expertise at a critical time for the airline.
Air New Zealand is the country’s flag carrier and operates domestic and international services connecting New Zealand with destinations across the Asia-Pacific, North America and other markets.
For Wilson, the appointment marks a return to an influential aviation role after his departure from Air India. It also brings him back to the New Zealand aviation sector, where his career began before his long stint with Singapore Airlines and subsequent leadership of Air India’s transformation.
(With inputs from agencies.)
