IndiGo names former FAA chief Michael Whitaker as independent director

InterGlobe Aviation Ltd, the parent of the country’s largest airline IndiGo, on Thursday said it has appointed former US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Michael G. Whitaker as an independent director on its Board.

The appointment, for a term of five years, is effective from the date of receipt of security clearance from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the company said in a regulatory filing. The appointment is also subject to shareholders’ approval.

Whitaker's appointment comes as the term of Venkataramani Sumantran as an Independent Director ends on May 27. Sumantran, who is currently a non-executive independent director and chairperson, has decided not to seek re-appointment for a second term, according to the regulatory filing.

Whitaker, who most recently served as the Administrator of the FAA, brings over three decades of experience in aviation, having previously held senior roles at United Airlines and Hyundai’s advanced air mobility division Supernal. He also served as the FAA’s Deputy Administrator in an earlier stint.

“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,” Whitaker said in a statement issued by IndiGo. “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.”

IndiGo’s Managing Director Rahul Bhatia said Whitaker’s deep expertise in both government and industry would bring significant value to the airline’s 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,” he said.

Whitaker, a private pilot and a lawyer by training, holds a juris doctorate from Georgetown University Law Center and a BA in political science from the University of Louisville.

IndiGo, which has more than 400 planes, operates over 2,200 flights daily.