IndiGo Appoints Former FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker as Independent Director
InterGlobe Aviation, the parent of the country's largest airline IndiGo announces the appointment of former administrator US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and pilot Michael Whitaker as an Independent Director. Whitaker's appointment, which is subject to regulatory and shareholders' approvals, 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,
"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," says IndiGo’s Managing Director Rahul Bhatia said.
Michael, a private pilot as well, most recently held the position of Administrator of the FAA, the U.S. agency responsible for air safety, efficiency, and the management of the national air traffic system. He resigned from the FAA in January of this year.
Throughout his 30-year career in aviation, he has held multiple positions, including Chief Operating Officer at Supernal, Hyundai's advanced air mobility sector, and Senior Vice President - Alliances, International & Regulatory Affairs at United Airlines.
Michael commenced his aviation career as a lawyer at Trans World Airlines in New York and possesses a juris doctorate from Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, DC, along with a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Louisville.
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"I am deeply honoured to have the privilege of joining the board of the world's fastest growing airline on its way to become a global aviation giant," Michael says.