Former FAA chief Whitaker joins IndiGo’s board

IndiGo has appointed former administrator of the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Michael Whitaker as an independent director to its board, pending regulatory and shareholder approvals.

Over his three-decade career in aviation, Whitaker has held senior positions including chief operating officer at Supernal, deputy administrator at the FAA, and senior vice-president of Alliances, International and Regulatory Affairs at United Airlines.

He began his career as a lawyer with Trans World Airlines.

Whitaker most recently served as administrator of the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), from where he stepped down from the position in January.

Rahul Bhatia, managing director of IndiGo, said, “Mike’s deep and varied industry and government experience will contribute significantly to having an effective and diverse board. His focus on efficiency, operations, air safety as head of the FAA will reinforce IndiGo’s longstanding focus on operating at the highest levels. Also, his extensive experience in International Governmental Affairs will be hugely instrumental as IndiGo continues its global expansion.”

Talking about his appointment, Whitaker said, “I am deeply honored to have the privilege of joining the Board of the world’s fastest growing airline on its way to become a global aviation giant. India is one of the world’s great travel hubs with unlimited growth potential. I look forward to working with the Board to continue the growth of this world-leading Indian company.”

Whitaker is a licensed private pilot and holds a law degree from Georgetown University Law Center and a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Louisville.