Indian carrier IndiGo has appointed Mike Whitaker, the former head of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), as an Independent Director on its board.
InterGlobe Aviation, the parent of the country’s largest airline IndiGo, announced the change in an SEC filing on April 24, 2025.
Whitaker has been appointed to his new role for five years and will start once he receives security clearance from the Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA). According to the filing, the appointment is subject to the approval of the shareholders of the company.
Whitaker will replace Dr. Venkataramani Sumantran, who will step down from his position as Independent Director on May 28, 2025. According to the airline, Sumantran “has conveyed his desire not to seek re-election for a second term.”
“Mike’s focus on efficiency, operations, air safety as head of the FAA will reinforce IndiGo’s long standing focus on operating at the highest levels,” Rahul Bhatia, Managing Director of IndiGo, concluded.
Whitaker resigned from his position as head of the FAA in December 2024. His last day at the agency was January 20, 2025, the same day US President Trump replaced President Biden.
“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. “India is one of the world’s great travel hubs with unlimited growth potential.”
Before his time at the FAA, Whitaker worked for more than 30 years in various aviation positions, including as Chief Operating Officer at Supernal, Hyundai’s air mobility division, Senior Vice President Alliances, and International & Regulatory Affairs at United Airlines. He started his aviation career as a lawyer for Trans World Airlines in New York.
