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Tag: Campbell Wilson

  • Air India launches new inflight safety video

    Air India launches new inflight safety video

    Mumbai: Air India, India’s leading global airline, has unveiled ‘Safety Mudras’, the airline’s new inflight safety video that seamlessly blends safety instructions with the kaleidoscope of India’s vibrant culture. Developed in collaboration with the visionary trio of Prasoon Joshi of McCann Worldgroup, Shankar Mahadevan and Bharatbala, the video is meticulously crafted to engage passengers and showcase the diversity and depth of the Indian culture, while delivering essential safety information.

    For centuries, Indian classical dance and folk art forms have served as mediums of storytelling and instruction. Air India’s new inflight safety video integrates safety instructions with mudras or dance expressions in eight diverse dance forms – Bharatnatyam, Bihu, Kathak, Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Odissi, Ghoomar, and Giddha – from around the country. Each featured dance form presents a specific safety instruction, providing vital information in an engaging and culturally immersive manner.

    Air India CEO & MD Campbell Wilson said: “As a flagbearer of the country and a longstanding patron of Indian art and culture, Air India is delighted to present a work of art that is designed to deliver essential safety instructions while showcasing India’s rich cultural diversity to travellers around the world. Our guests will find this inflight safety video to be more immersive and informative, and a warm welcome to India from the moment they step onboard.”

    Featuring music composed by Grammy Award-winning music composer and singer Shankar Mahadevan, the video invites passengers to experience a harmonious fusion of safety and culture. This project, spanning approximately six months, involved creators travelling and capturing the essence of India visually through mesmerizing locations across the length and breadth of the country.

    The safety video will be initially accessible on Air India’s recently introduced A350 aircraft, which is equipped with state-of-the-art inflight entertainment screens. It will be progressively deployed on other aircraft in Air India’s fleet.

    McCann Worldgroup Asia Pacific chairman, McCann Worldgroup India CEO & CCO; and celebrated writer & lyricist Prasoon Joshi:

    “Tasked with the challenge to create a concept that keeps passengers engaged, embody Indian culture and elevate the Air India brand globally, we went to great lengths to poise the essential and the evocative. Indian classical dance forms have one unique dimension – storytelling. And that is what made me think of this idea of using these Indian dance forms to deliver the safety instructions for air travel.

    I am fortunate that this idea found resonance with the fantastic Air India team. And, with a longtime friend and ever brilliant Bharatbala who really made this thought possible. It’s indeed a matter of pride for McCann to work with Air India.”

    Celebrated Indian music composer and singer Shankar Mahadevan:

    “I am very happy I got to create the music for the safety instruction video for Air India. With the new chapter of Air India, their safety instruction video too is pathbreaking and very culturally rich. It is a combination of the various dance forms from India – with the dancers demonstrating the safety briefing actions by way of mudras. The music changes as per the dance form as well. Cheers to Air India for creating something that has never been done before, I am very proud to be a part of this.”

    Indian film director, producer and screenwriter Bharatbala:

    “Having previously worked on projects that showcase the cultural diversity of India, this nuanced opportunity from Air India, enabled me to present our timeless classical and folk-art forms with a contemporary vision. We are an ancient country but with a modern outlook. And for India’s leading global carrier, Air India, to communicate a safety mandate in this manner brought even more responsibility on me to create a spectacle. Filming across the beautiful landscapes and monuments, giving each dance form its place of pride, is truly an enriching experience. This journey enables the passengers to experience India visually, musically, and emotionally on a grand canvas. This film will be etched as one of my special creations and I hope will be an added feather in the rich legacy of Air India. Welcome on board!”

  • Air India announces P Balaji as group head group head- governance, regulatory, GRC

    Air India announces P Balaji as group head group head- governance, regulatory, GRC

    Mumbai: Air India today announced the appointment of P. Balaji in a newly created role of group head- governance, regulatory, compliance (GRC) and corporate Affairs. Balaji assume his role at Air India on 11 January 2024, and will report to Air India CEO & MD, Campbell Wilson. He will oversee the Government Affairs, Legal, Ethics, Sustainability, and Corporate Communications functions at Air India, among others.

    Balaji started his career with Tata Administrative Services and has rich experience of over 30 years in telecom & IT Sector in diverse functions including regulatory policy, compliance, sales, product management, marketing, strategy, M&A and operations. He joins Air India after nearly a decade-long stint at Vodafone Idea Limited where he spearheaded the regulatory and public policy functions.

    Announcing Balaji’s appointment, Air India CEO & MD Campbell Wilson said:“We are pleased to have Balaji on board. Having worked in the regulatory and policy space, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will be valuable to the ongoing transformation at Air India. At Air India, we remain committed to building top leadership as we continue to invest in all the resources that are required to take the airline to the upper echelons of global aviation.” 

  • Air India starts rollout of new global brand identity

    Air India starts rollout of new global brand identity

    Mumbai: Air India has started the rollout of its recently unveiled global brand identity across guest touchpoints, beginning with a full switch to the new look across digital and online channels and rebranding at Delhi and Mumbai airports.

    The new identity, unveiled in August 2023, is centered around the ‘Vista’, Air India’s logo icon and a symbol of limitless possibilities and progressiveness. The new look features Air India’s new brand colours, including Air India red, aubergine, rose gold, and accents of gold, as well as the extensive usage of customised iconography and a bespoke font, Air India Sans – all crafted to reflect a bold, modern, and world-class airline with an Indian heart. This spirit is now reflected in:

     . A redesigned website, airindia.com, and a new mobile app: Air India guests will now be able to enjoy a more seamless and intuitive online experience with streamlined booking flows, faster performance, new features, and a refreshed design that showcases the airline’s new brand identity. The new website and mobile app were designed and architected by Air India’s teams in Kochi and Silicon Valley.

    . New social media avatar: Air India’s social media platforms have been revamped to reflect the new brand identity, offering engaging content and an interactive platform for guests to connect with the airline and fellow travellers.

    . Gradual rollout at airports: Starting with Delhi and Mumbai airports, guests will begin to see the new branding come alive at various touchpoints, including check-in counters, boarding gates, lounges, and newly designed boarding cards. The rollout will progressively extend to other airports across Air India’s growing global network in the coming weeks.

    “The network-wide switch to our new global brand identity is a landmark moment for Air India,” said Air India CEO & managing director Campbell Wilson. “It’s not just about bringing our new logo and colours to customer touchpoints; it’s a promise to our guests of a transforming travel experience that is modern, seamless, and infused with the warmth and hospitality that defines a new India and a new Air India. We are confident that the modern, world-class look of Air India will appeal to our guests globally and serve as a strong reminder of all the remarkable changes that have come or are to come to their Air India experience.”

    Rebranding on and inside aircraft

    The new Air India livery will feature on the A350 fleet and subsequently on other incoming brand-new aircraft. The in-flight rollout of the new global brand identity is linked to the airline’s soon-to-be-inducted Airbus A350 fleet as well as subsequent refurbishment of cabin products over the next few months.

    “This is a transformation of great scale, and therefore, it may take us a while to achieve consistency in our product, service, and the overall ‘new Air India experience’. We will continue to seek the support of our guests as we modernise Air India and make it a world-class airline that India deserves,” Wilson added.

    Earlier this year, Air India placed record-setting orders for 470 aircraft with Airbus and Boeing for US$ 70 billion (at published list prices), from which the much-anticipated Airbus A350 aircraft will start arriving this month. A US$ 400 million project for the refurbishment of 43 of Air India’s legacy widebody aircraft begins mid-2024, which will lead to the installation of brand-new seats in every cabin, new inflight entertainment systems, and inflight Wi-Fi internet connectivity.

    Air India last week revealed new uniforms for its cabin and cockpit crews, designed by the famed Indian couturier, Manish Malhotra. The new uniforms will be introduced in a phased manner over the next few months, starting with the entry of service of Air India’s first Airbus A350. The airline will also soon reveal new uniforms for ground staff, engineers, and security personnel, designed by Manish Malhotra.

  • AIR INDIA unveils fashion forward crew uniforms to mark the arrival of a new era in inflight couture

    AIR INDIA unveils fashion forward crew uniforms to mark the arrival of a new era in inflight couture

    Mumbai: Air India India’s global airline unveiled its anticipated brand-new collection of uniforms for cabin and cockpit crew marking the arrival of a new age of inflight couture.

    Crafted by Indian couturier Manish Malhotra, in his Mumbai atelier, the new uniforms feature an array of colours and timeless designs. The collection mirrors a rare, harmonious blend of rich Indian heritage and aesthetics with 21 century style, elegance, and comfort.

    The new uniforms will be introduced in a phased manner over the next few months, starting with the entry of service of Air India’s first Airbus A350.

    Air India chief executive officer & managing director Campbell Wilson said: “Air India’s crew uniforms are amongst the world’s most storied in aviation history, and we firmly believe that Manish Malhotra’s innovative ensemble will script an exciting new chapter for Air India’s future narrative. It perfectly captures the essence of our new identity, service principles, and our pursuit of setting new benchmarks in global aviation.”

    Malhotra’s take on modern Indian style complements Air India’s recently unveiled new global brand identity as the flag-bearer of a more confident, progressive, and resurgent new India.

    The female cabin crew attire features a ready-to-wear ombré saree with intricate patterns reminiscent of Indian heritage architecture (jharokha) and the Vista (new Air India logo icon), paired with a comfortable blouse and blazer.The read to wear sarees can be optionally worn with comfortable pants, which provides greater flexibility to female cabin crew to choose the style they most identify with and brings a unique east-meets-west look.

    The ombré sarees for the senior female cabin crew will be aubergine-to-burgundy, combined with aubergine blazers, exuding a balance of authority and sophistication. Conversely, junior female cabin crew will wear vibrant red-to-purple ombré sarees combined with red blazers, embodying youthfulness and energy.

    Commented on innovative design Manish Malhotra said: “I am honored to have been given the opportunity to design the uniforms for Air India. It is a privilege to be able to contribute to the national flag-bearer and showcase the elegance and charm of Indian fashion. My aim was to create uniforms that capture the essence of India’s diverse culture and traditions while also embodying a modern and sophisticated look. By incorporating quintessential hues that are symbolic to India, I hope that these uniforms not only make the crew feel proud but also leave a lasting impression on the guests, representing the warmth and hospitality that India is known for.

    The hallmark technique of ombrés is a signature attributed to Malhotra, reflecting his deep-rooted fondness for traditional attire and gradients. The color palette of the new uniforms comprises deep red, burgundy, aubergine, and accents of gold, paying homage to India’s rich cultural heritage.

    The well-fitting uniforms for both male and female cabin crew are practical and suited for them to perform in-flight duties with ease of movement. The new uniform designs were developed in close consultation with Air India’s cabin crew representatives and the airline’s in-flight services team, who also conducted an extensive testing exercise for the new designs.

    The cockpit crew’s uniform features a classic black double-breasted suit with a print inspired by the Vista, signifying professionalism, timelessness, and the gravitas of the flying profession.

    Malhotra has also curated footwear that blends style and comfort, allowing each step to resonate with the grace and poise inherent in Air India’s sartorial overhaul. The female cabin crew will wear dual-tone (black and burgundy) block heels, and the male cabin crew will wear comfortable black Brogues. The uniforms include pearl earrings and sling bags for female cabin crew.

    Campbell Wilson said. “Air India has been in the world’s spotlight for some time. We are confident that our new crew uniforms will rise to the heightened expectations, distinctly making a statement that defines the very best of Indian heritage and hospitality.Travellers across continents will be able to instantly recognise these uniforms as the new Air India,” Malhotra has meticulously crafted uniforms not only for Air India’s cabin crew and pilots, but also ground staff, engineers, and security personnel, which will be revealed in due course.

    Sustainability and quality have been the cornerstones of the design and production process of these new uniforms. All fabrics and garments are proudly sourced and tailored in India. 

  • Tata Sons onboards Campbell Wilson as CEO and MD of Air India

    Tata Sons onboards Campbell Wilson as CEO and MD of Air India

    Mumbai: Tata Sons on Thursday appointed Campbell Wilson as CEO and managing director of Air India. Wilson headed Singapore Airlines’ budget carrier Scoot prior to joining the Indian carrier.

    The Air India board approved the appointment subject to requisite regulatory approvals, the group said in a statement.

    Commenting on the appointment, Air India chairman N Chandrasekaran said, “I am delighted to welcome Campbell to Air India. He is an industry veteran having worked in key global markets cutting across multiple functions. Further, Air India would benefit from his added experience of having built an airline brand in Asia. I look forward to working with him in building a world-class airline.”

    Wilson has 26 years of aviation industry expertise across both full service and low-cost airlines. Having started off as a management trainee with Singapore Airlines (SIA) in New Zealand in 1996, Wilson then worked for SIA in Canada, Hong Kong and Japan before returning to Singapore in 2011 as the founding CEO of Scoot, which he led until 2016.

    He further served as the senior vice president sales and marketing of the airline, before returning for a second stint as the CEO of Scoot in April 2020.  Wilson holds a master of commerce degree in business administration from the University of Canterbury in New Zealand.

    Speaking on his appointment, Wilson said, “It is an honour to be selected to lead the iconic Air India and be a part of the highly respected Tata Group. Air India is at the cusp of an exciting journey to become one of the best airlines in the world, offering world-class products and services with a distinct customer experience that reflects Indian warmth and hospitality. I am excited to join Air India and Tata colleagues in the mission of realising that ambition.”

    Earlier in March this year, Tata Sons had announced the appointment of former chairman of Turkish Airlines Ilker Ayci for the same post. However, Ayci had declined the post amid controversies over his political views pertaining to the Indian sub-continent.

    The Tata Group took back the management and control of Air India in January this year, after completing the beleaguered airline’s purchase back from the government of India. In a homecoming for the homegrown airline, Air India was handed back to its founders which began operations as Tata Air Services in 1932, before being nationalised.