# Air India's New CEO Faces Unusual Challenges

> Air India's new CEO must tackle funding, maintenance, and employee conduct issues including alcohol violations, aircraft incidents, and a lost bicycle.
- Title: Air India's New CEO Faces Unusual Challenges | Shortify
- Summary: Air India's new CEO must tackle funding, maintenance, and employee conduct issues including alcohol violations, aircraft incidents, and a lost bicycle. Air…
- Keywords: air india, tewolde gebremariam, air india losses, tata sons, singapore airlines, air india express, alcohol violation, bicycle incident, maintenance issues, Air, India's, CEO
- Source: The Economic Times — https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/drugs-alcohol-bicycle-losses-air-india-new-ceo-tewolde-gebremariam-tata-sons-funding-singapore-airlines-turnaround-strange-list/articleshow/134478051.cms
- Author: ET Online
- Published: 2026-09-25T07:14:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: air india, tewolde gebremariam, air india losses, tata sons, singapore airlines, air india express, alcohol violation, bicycle incident, maintenance issues
## New CEO's Immediate Challenges
Air India's new boss faces funding, maintenance, and employee conduct problems beyond typical airline operations.
## Record Losses and Funding Needs
Air India posted a loss of about Rs 22,238.23 crore for the year through March, seeking $1.5 billion in fresh equity from Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines.
## Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines Funding
Tata Sons has approved $1.1 billion of the $1.5 billion funding, while Singapore Airlines has not committed to its portion and seeks tougher terms.
## Alcohol Violation Incident
An Air India pilot was removed from a Zurich flight after authorities found him under the influence of alcohol.
## Aircraft Altitude Drop Incident
An Air India A320 suffered a sudden altitude drop injuring passengers and crew, with the pilot testing non-negative for psychoactive substances.
## Air India Express Employee Conduct
An Air India Express pilot was removed after a passenger alleged physical assault, and another employee faced investigation over a bomb threat note.
## Immigration Lapse Incident
Three Italian passengers boarded a Lufthansa flight without completing immigration in Delhi, leading to Air India suspending personnel involved.
## Lost Bicycle Incident
A passenger's racing bicycle was found on a regular baggage carousel despite special handling, resulting in a Rs 27,000 compensation order.
## Maintenance Issues
Passengers reported shaking and hissing noises from a Boeing 787 door, with cabin crew using paper napkins to reduce noise.
## Cockpit Video Investigation
Air India is verifying a video showing a former cabin crew member inside an aircraft cockpit during a flight.
## Folding Air India Express
Tewolde Gebremariam is considering folding Air India Express into the wider group to reduce regulatory requirements and staff.
## Key takeaway

Air India's new CEO faces record losses, funding needs, and operational issues like alcohol violations and a lost bicycle.