Shares of InterGlobe Aviation, which operates IndiGo, jumped over 9% after the airline announced industry veteran William Walsh as its new CEO. The appointment has boosted investor confidence in India’s largest airline.
Walsh, currently Director General of the International Air Transport Association, is set to join IndiGo in early August. He previously served as CEO of British Airways and brings decades of global aviation leadership experience.
His appointment follows the sudden exit of Pieter Elbers, who stepped down amid scrutiny over operational issues, including flight disruptions linked to pilot duty regulations. The airline had faced thousands of cancellations in December, raising concerns over planning and compliance.
IndiGo has also been impacted by airspace disruptions caused by tensions in West Asia. Rating agency ICRA has placed the airline’s rating under watch with negative implications, citing expected pressure on operations and financial performance despite its dominant 65% market share.