Rahul Bhatia, with a net worth of $3.6 billion, is the 38th richest person in India and the founder of InterGlobe Enterprises Limited, which owns IndiGo, the largest and most profitable airline in India.
Background and Education
Rahul, a degree holder in Electrical Engineering from the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada, manages three primary businesses:
- InterGlobe Hotels: Established in a joint venture with the French hospitality group “Accor” since 2004, it owns the “Ibis” hotel chain with 850 hotels in 40 countries, focusing on Tier I and II cities and proximity to major business districts.
- IndiGo Airlines: Rahul’s most successful venture, recognized for its fame, acclaim, and profitability.
- InterGlobe Technologies: An IT service and BPO firm specializing in travel, transportation, and hospitality.
Diverse Interests
Apart from his core businesses, Rahul, an avowed foodie, also owns several restaurants. He serves on the Board of various companies, showcasing his involvement in different sectors.
Early Life Challenges
Rahul’s initial career plan was to set up a telecom venture with Nortel for digital telephone exchanges. However, due to government restrictions on foreign technology, the project didn’t materialize. In 1988, facing family circumstances, Rahul joined his father’s airline agency, Delhi Express, cofounded in 1964. Challenges arose when some partners gained a majority stake, leading to Rahul and his father’s exit in 1991.
With a seed capital of $37,000 and a degree plus a two-year stint at IBM, Rahul started InterGlobe, initially focused on IT services and BPO. Despite initial difficulties, the power of relationships and trust enabled the company to thrive.
Evolution into IndiGo
While transforming InterGlobe, Rahul forged a friendship with Rakesh Gangwal, CEO of US Airways. Together, they applied for an airline license in 2004 and launched IndiGo in 2006. Facing challenges such as soaring aviation fuel prices, Rahul’s bold move to order 100 Airbus A320-200 aircraft at the Paris Air Show in 2005 attracted attention.
By December 2010, IndiGo became the third-largest airline in India, replacing Air India, with a market share of 17.3%. In 2011, IndiGo shocked the market by ordering 180 Airbus A320neo aircraft worth $15 billion. The airline steadily became the most profitable and largest in India, surpassing competitors and securing its position as the second-largest low-cost carrier in Asia.
Strategies for Success
IndiGo’s success lies in its unique business model and operational strategies:
- Bulk Deal Advantage: Rahul’s association with Rakesh Gangwal, an industry expert, facilitated a bulk deal with Airbus, reducing costs.
- Single Aircraft Type: IndiGo exclusively uses Airbus A320, maintaining uniformity for crew and reducing hiring, training, and maintenance costs.
- Quick Turnaround Time: IndiGo boasts the quickest turnaround time, with ground staff trained for efficient deplaning, loading, and cleaning within 25 minutes.
- Cost-Cutting Measures: IndiGo operates as a low-cost carrier, offering only Economy Class seating, omitting in-flight entertainment, and providing a buy-onboard meal program.
- Strategic Route Planning: IndiGo operates over fewer destinations but maintains higher frequency, connecting each destination to at least two cities, and optimizing aircraft utilization.
- Fuel Efficiency Measures: IndiGo uses software for optimal flight planning, employs the latest fuel-saving technology, and has introduced fuel-efficient Airbus A320neo aircraft to its fleet.
IndiGo’s success story is a testament to Rahul Bhatia’s entrepreneurial acumen and strategic decision-making, making it the largest airline in India with a 36.8% market share and a fleet of 109 aircraft operating 818 daily flights to 40 destinations.