Willie Walsh takes charge as IndiGo CEO
Willie Walsh took charge as CEO of IndiGo, succeeding Pieter Elbers and assuming responsibility for steering India's largest airline through its next phase of growth and international expansion.
IndiGo had announced Walsh's appointment on March 31, less than three weeks after the sudden exit of Elbers following massive operational disruptions at the airline in December last year.
In a statement on Monday, IndiGo said Walsh would oversee the airline's overall management and strategic direction, with a focus on accelerating its global growth, improving operational excellence, strengthening its network and commercial strategy, and enhancing customer experience.
"IndiGo has built a remarkable legacy over the last two decades, establishing itself amongst the largest airlines in the world in a short span of time," Walsh said.
"With India becoming one of the world's fastest-growing aviation markets, the opportunities ahead for IndiGo are immense. There could not be a more exciting and opportune time for me to join IndiGo than now," he said.
A pilot and veteran aviation industry executive, Walsh recently completed his tenure as director general of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
He has previously served as CEO of Aer Lingus, British Airways and International Airlines Group.
IndiGo Managing Director Rahul Bhatia said Walsh's extensive global aviation experience, along with his operational and strategic expertise, would be instrumental in accelerating the airline's international expansion.
IndiGo operates nearly 2,200 daily flights with a fleet of more than 430 aircraft.
Shares of IndiGo rose 3.72 per cent to Rs 5,363.35 apiece in morning trade on the BSE, while the benchmark Sensex was nearly 1 per cent higher.
