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IndiGo’s evolution man
CEO Pieter Elbers talks about his move to India, the airline’s international expansion, working with promoter Rahul Bhatia and the balancing act that pilot salaries entails.
24 February, 2023•15 min
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24 February, 2023•15 min
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Editor's note: Sitting on the other side of the screen from Pieter Elbers on a Microsoft Teams video call, two things catch your eye. One is the green bottle of sparkling water on the table next to the IndiGo chief executive officer. It’s a beverage of choice for many in Europe, where the Dutchman spent most of his 52 years, including three decades at KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. The last eight were as its chief executive and president. The second is the Nehru jacket that he has on, a nod to the history and culture of India, Elbers’s new home. It’s been just five months, but the switch in residence and career seem to have been effortless. Since taking over as IndiGo CEO, the aviation veteran has been crisscrossing the country and meeting colleagues in Guwahati, Goa, Chennai and Kolkata. Elbers talks passionately about local cultures, food and the aviation market. He is on the money with his pronunciation of the names of Indian cities. Nearly. A couple of weeks ago, he did hesitate on “Dharamshala” while talking to analysts following the …
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