Rahul Bhatia: Prominent Businessman and Co-Founder of Indigo Airlines
Rahul Bhatia, born in 1960 in Nainital, India, is a prominent businessman and co-founder of IndiGo Airlines. Here’s a summary of key points from the provided information:
Early Life:
- Birth and Education: Born in 1960 in Nainital, India. Rahul Bhatia attended the University of Waterloo and earned a Bachelor of Engineering degree.
- Early Career: While still a student, he worked for two years with IBM. During this time, he was involved in a pilot project to establish a fully automated screen manufacturing plant.
Career:
- Encounter with Rakesh Gangwal: In 1985, while working at IBM in Chicago, Bhatia met Rakesh Gangwal, who later became his co-founder in IndiGo.
- Formation of InterGlobe Enterprises: In 1989, Bhatia returned to India and, facing his family’s travel agency troubles, established InterGlobe Enterprises. The group initially focused on air transport management and later diversified into various travel and hospitality-related businesses.
- Co-Founder of IndiGo: Alongside Rakesh Gangwal, Rahul Bhatia co-founded IndiGo in 2006, fulfilling a long-time ambition to start an airline.
- Role at IndiGo: Currently serves as the non-executive director of IndiGo and the group managing director of InterGlobe Enterprises.
IndiGo Airlines:
- Formation and Operations: IndiGo was founded in 2006 with an order for 100 Airbus A320-200 aircraft. Operations commenced on August 4, 2006, with the first flight operating from New Delhi to Guwahati, further to Imphal, Manipur.
Awards:
- Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award (2010): Rahul Bhatia received this award for his entrepreneurial achievements.
- Economic Times Entrepreneur of the Year Award (2011): Another recognition for his entrepreneurial contributions.
Rahul Bhatia’s journey involves a transition from his early career with IBM to establishing InterGlobe Enterprises and, eventually, co-founding IndiGo Airlines. His notable awards reflect his success and contributions to the business world.