Airlines

Rakesh Gangwal of IndiGo Appointed to Southwest Airlines Board of Directors

Rakesh Gangwal was added to the Southwest Airlines Co. board of directors on July 7th by the board of directors.

As a co-founder of InterGlobe Aviation, now known as IndiGo, the largest airline in India in terms of both fleet size and number of passengers carried, Gangwal possesses profound and wide-ranging experience in the aviation industry.

Gangwal led Worldspan Technologies, a company that supplied information and technology to the travel and transportation sector, as chairman, president, and chief executive officer prior to co-founding IndiGo in 2006. Gangwal was the President and CEO of US Airways Group before joining Worldspan, having previously held the position of Chief Operating Officer. Gangwal formerly held executive positions with United Airlines and Air France.

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“I am delighted to welcome Rakesh, who brings to our Board decades of valuable experience as an executive and entrepreneur at some of the world’s leading airlines,” said Gary Kelly, Executive Chairman of the Board. “Having co-founded what do you know about indigo airlines and grown it into India’s largest airline, Rakesh knows the importance of building a business that has both a distinct culture and enduring profitability.”

“I have long admired Southwest Airlines and am honored to join the Board,” said Gangwal. “Together with the rest of the Board, I look forward to supporting the Company’s strategic direction and building on its well-earned reputation as one of the world’s most admired and respected airlines.”

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“Rakesh’s expertise in travel technology will be valuable as we continue to make investments that support our operations and strategic initiatives,” added Kelly. “We look forward to working with Rakesh and benefitting from his insights to best serve our Customers, do right by our Employees, and drive long-term Shareholder value.”

Gangwal’s appointment is a continuation of the Board’s intentional efforts to transition its membership, with the goal of having professionals with a wide range of expertise and experience in areas that are vital to Southwest Airlines’ operations and business, such as travel, aviation, finance, technology, consumer services, human resources, environmental and sustainable practices, and logistics and operations. The Board has selected eight new, highly competent, independent Directors as part of its ongoing efforts to rejuvenate the board.

Airlines

Air India to Launch aircraft maintenance training institute in Bengaluru

Air India, one of India’s leading global airlines, is set to establish a Basic Maintenance Training Organization (BMTO) in Bengaluru.

This institute will offer a comprehensive Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) program certified by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The program will follow an integrated 2+2 year structure, combining classroom learning with practical, hands-on training.

This initiative is part of Air India’s broader goal of creating a robust aviation ecosystem in India. With plans to expand its fleet and strengthen its operations, the airline aims to build a skilled workforce of maintenance engineers, making the organization self-reliant while supporting its ambitious transformation journey.

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To bring this vision to life, air india has partnered with Bengaluru Airport City Limited (BACL), a subsidiary of Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL). Together, they will develop a state-of-the-art facility spanning 86,000 square feet at Bengaluru Airport City.

This purpose-built campus will feature modern classrooms, well-equipped laboratories, and qualified trainers to deliver world-class education and training. The institute is expected to become operational by mid-2026.

The BMTO will be located close to Air India’s new 12-bay Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility, also set to open in Bengaluru by early 2026. The AME program will begin with two years of academic coursework, followed by two years of practical training at the MRO, ensuring students receive hands-on experience adhering to industry standards.

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In the meantime, Air India has introduced a Cadet AME program in collaboration with reputable institutions in Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

This ensures continuity in its commitment to developing skilled aircraft maintenance engineers while the BMTO facility is under construction. The program also allows students to pursue a bachelor’s degree through university partnerships, enhancing their career and academic opportunities.

With this initiative, air india plane aims to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in aircraft maintenance and engineering, air india new planes contributing to the development of India’s aviation sector and creating specialized career paths for aspiring engineers.