Ex-IATA chief Willie Walsh takes charge at IndiGo

New Delhi: Aviation industry veteran Willie Walsh, a pilot and former Director General of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), on Monday took charge as CEO of IndiGo, India’s largest airline.

Walsh, an Irish national, assumed the position after completing his tenure at IATA on July 31. IndiGo had announced his appointment on March 31, less than three weeks after the sudden exit of Pieter Elbers amid massive operational disruptions at the airline in December last year.

In a statement, IndiGo said Walsh would lead the airline’s overall management and strategic direction as it enters its next phase of growth and global expansion. His priorities will include accelerating international growth, improving operational excellence, strengthening network and commercial strategy, and enhancing customer experience. “With India becoming one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets, the opportunities ahead for IndiGo are immense,” Walsh said, adding that there could not be a more exciting time to join the airline. IndiGo MD Rahul Bhatia said Walsh’s extensive global aviation experience and operational expertise would be instrumental in driving the airline’s international expansion.