Steven Harfst is IndiGo COO

Harfst joins IndiGo from North American Airlines

BY A CORRESPONDENT
February 3, 2006

Steven Harfst has become the first Chief Operating Officer of "IndiGo," the low-cost airline to be launched by the Delhi-based InterGlobe Enterprises. In a press release recently, the company announced that Harfst will be responsible for all of the operational functions of IndiGo.

Harfst joins IndiGo comes with wide sectoral experience. Prior to this, he was Chief Operating Officer with North American Airlines, a subsidiary of World Air Holdings. On joining the company he said, "IndiGo is uniquely positioned to capitalize on the significant growth of the aviation marketplace in India. I am looking forward to working with Bruce and the dynamic team at IndiGo in building a world class airline that will set a benchmark for exemplary customer service and operational excellence."

IndiGo CEO Bruce Ashby welcomed the appointment saying, "Steve is an exceptionally experienced and successful hands-on executive with a deep knowledge of the airline business. As we prepare for the introduction of our spanking new Airbus jets into our fleet, he will play an important role in the company's growth." He added, "I have the greatest confidence in his abilities to get this critical job done."

Harfst has a bachelor's degree from the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington, USA in business administration and was responsible for worldwide operations of North American Airlines as their COO. Not only did he help the company maintain profitability in the midst of a challenging industry environment, he was also involved in aiding the carrier to triple its size.

He now joins InterGlobe Enterprises, a travel conglomerate in India, with a significant presence in the fields of aviation management, travel related services, travel technology, travel distribution services and hotel development & management services. In 16 years, the company has become one of the leading brands in the aviation industry. In addition, it has partnered with global industry leaders in the travel and hospitality domain such as Accor Asia Pacific and Carnival Corporation.