IndiGo, India's largest budget airline, has appointed Willie Walsh, current director general of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), as its new chief executive.
Walsh, a veteran of the airline industry and former chief executive of British Airways and International Airlines Group (IAG), will succeed Pieter Elbers. Elbers departed after a crisis that led to thousands of flight cancellations and subsequent regulatory scrutiny over scheduling issues.
The appointment, announced on March 31 and subject to regulatory approvals, aligns with Walsh's IATA term ending on July 31. IndiGo stated he will join no later than August 3.
Last year, IndiGo hosted the 81st IATA Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit in New Delhi.
The move follows operational challenges for the privately owned carrier, which is focusing on international expansion.