India’s largest airline, IndiGo, has appointed Isidro Porqueras as Chief Operating Officer (COO) with effect from 1st November, replacing Wolfgang Prock Schauer, who has held the position since 2018. According to IndiGo, Porqueras brings with him 25 years of experience in various functions including Operations, Commercial, Strategy, and Finance, and has served as a C-Level executive for the past decade. His most recent role was as COO at the Spanish low-cost airline, Volotea.

Pieter Elbers, IndiGo's CEO, noted that as the airline embarks on its next phase of growth, Porqueras will collaborate closely with the leadership team to prioritise key areas of focus. Elbers emphasised that Porqueras’ extensive expertise in operations and his proven track record in previous organisations would be critical in driving IndiGo’s strategic vision, particularly as it expands into international markets.

In addition to the appointment of Porqueras, IndiGo will also witness changes in its leadership for engineering and in-flight services, as long-standing members SC Gupta and Suman Chopra are set to retire. Both have been with the airline since its inception.

Elbers highlighted that leadership development and succession planning are integral to the evolution of any successful organisation. He stressed that these transitions reflect IndiGo's ability to seamlessly blend internal talent with external expertise to drive future ambitions.

The airline is currently undergoing a significant transformation. Last week, IndiGo placed its first order for wide-body aircraft, specifically 30 Airbus A350-900 planes, as part of its strategy to enter the long-haul market. Additionally, it plans to introduce a premium class on its Airbus A321 aircraft for short-haul international routes, offering enhanced features such as roomier seating, hot meals, and a loyalty programme to attract more business travellers.