The strange to-do list awaiting Air India’s new boss

Air India's new CEO faces a challenging slate of issues upon taking charge. The airline grapples with significant financial losses, requiring fresh funding from shareholders Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines. The airline has already received $1.1 billion from Tata Sons, but Singapore Airlines has not yet signed off on its portion, demanding stricter terms before committing more capital.

Air India is contending with a string of incidents: a pilot removed from a Zurich flight due to alcohol violation, another pilot testing positive for psychoactive substances after an A320 experienced a sudden altitude drop, and allegations of assault and bomb threat involving employees. Additionally, an immigration lapse affected three passengers, a former cabin crew member was caught on camera in a cockpit, and a bicycle was mistakenly placed on a baggage carousel despite its owner paying for special handling.

Tewolde Gebremariam must decide how to address these issues while making the airline profitable. Cost-cutting measures may include folding Air India Express into the main group to simplify operations and reduce regulatory requirements. Meanwhile, personnel problems persist, with pilots removed for alcohol-related offenses and bomb threats, and an incident where a pilot's hydraulic systems failed. Despite these challenges, safety remains a top priority for the airline.