Indigo promoters’ feud may not end soon despite ‘truce’ claims

The ongoing feud between the two co-promoters of IndiGo airlines, Rakesh Gangwal and Rahul Bhatia, is one of changing power equation in the company.

When the airline was conceptualised, both Bhatia and Gangwal needed each other. Perhaps, Bhatia needed Gangwal more.

If rumors are to be believed, when the idea of starting IndiGo was mooted, Bhatia found it difficult to convince the aircraft manufacturers — Boeing and Airbus — to provide him the aircraft required to start the airline.

IndiGo, a start-up, wanted to place an order for 100 aircraft, something which had never happened globally till then. That’s when Bhatia got in touch with the US based Gangwal (both long-time friends) who approached Airbus, and IndiGo’s order was accepted by the aircraft manufacturer.