Air India has announced a significant leadership reshuffle within its engineering division as part of its broader transformation agenda under the Tata Group. Senior Vice President and Chief Technical Officer Sisirakanta Dash will assume the newly created role of Group Chief Strategy Officer – Engineering from April 1, focusing on long-term capability building and infrastructure expansion. Jeremy Yew, a seasoned aviation engineering executive with over two decades of experience, will take charge of day-to-day engineering and maintenance operations. The appointments underscore Air India’s commitment to strengthening in-house technical expertise and preparing for substantial fleet growth in the coming years.
Strategic Engineering Role Created
Tata Group-owned Air India has initiated a key restructuring of its engineering leadership to align with its ambitious modernization roadmap.
Sisirakanta Dash, currently serving as Senior Vice President and Chief Technical Officer, will transition into the newly designated position of Group Chief Strategy Officer – Engineering from April 1. In this capacity, Dash will spearhead the development of long-term engineering capabilities critical to the airline’s operational expansion.
According to internal communication from Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Campbell Wilson, Dash will focus on strengthening strategic engineering frameworks, building scalable infrastructure and preparing the organization for projected fleet growth across the Air India Group.
Focus on Capability Development and Infrastructure
Dash’s expanded mandate includes establishing a comprehensive ecosystem to support fleet modernization initiatives. This will involve advancing local engineering competencies and scaling up maintenance infrastructure.
Key projects under his strategic oversight include the development of Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities and the Basic Maintenance Training Organisation (BMTO). These greenfield initiatives are expected to reduce reliance on overseas maintenance services while enhancing technical self-sufficiency.
The airline’s leadership has emphasized that building in-house engineering strength is central to its long-term cost efficiency and operational resilience.
Operational Leadership Transition
Simultaneously, Jeremy Yew, currently Senior Vice President of the Project Management Office – Engineering, will assume the role of Senior Vice President (Engineering & Maintenance).
Yew will oversee daily operations of the airline’s engineering division, managing maintenance schedules, regulatory compliance and fleet readiness. He will report to Chief Operating Officer Capt Basil Kwauk, ensuring operational continuity as strategic initiatives evolve.
With more than 20 years of leadership experience within the Singapore Airlines Group, Yew brings extensive expertise in aviation engineering and maintenance systems. His background is expected to support Air India’s operational stability during its transformation phase.
Transformation Under Tata Group Ownership
Since returning to Tata Group ownership, Air India has embarked on a sweeping turnaround plan aimed at restoring profitability, modernizing its fleet and elevating service standards.
The airline, which has historically reported financial losses, is in the midst of fleet expansion, brand repositioning and operational restructuring. Engineering capability enhancement forms a critical pillar of this strategy, particularly as the airline prepares to induct new aircraft into its network.
Strengthening domestic MRO capabilities is also economically significant. Developing local maintenance infrastructure can reduce foreign exchange outflows and shorten aircraft downtime, directly influencing cost structures and schedule reliability.
Governance and Reporting Structure
Under the revised structure, Dash and his strategic engineering team will report directly to CEO Campbell Wilson, signaling the importance of long-term technical planning within corporate governance.
Yew’s operational responsibilities will remain integrated within the airline’s existing management framework under the COO, ensuring that daily maintenance performance aligns with broader strategic objectives.
This bifurcation of strategic oversight and operational execution reflects a governance model often adopted by airlines undergoing rapid expansion.
Outlook: Engineering at the Core of Revival
Air India’s leadership reshuffle highlights the airline’s recognition that engineering excellence is foundational to sustainable aviation growth. As global carriers compete on efficiency, safety and cost discipline, robust technical infrastructure becomes a competitive differentiator.
The coming years will test the airline’s ability to integrate strategic vision with operational precision. If executed effectively, the enhanced engineering framework could play a decisive role in supporting fleet growth, improving reliability and steering the carrier toward long-term financial stability.
In aviation, transformation is rarely achieved through branding alone. It is engineered — systematically, structurally and strategically.
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