Brands
SpiceJet crew dances up a storm as Holi takes flight
MUMBAI: SpiceJet has once again livened up the skies with a vibrant Holi celebration that has set social media abuzz. The budget airline’s crew members, decked out in matching blue denim jeans, white kurtas and black shades, performed a choreographed dance to the popular song Balam Pichkari for passengers travelling on Holi.
The performance, which featured crew members dancing with unbridled energy in the aircraft aisle, is part of the airline’s tradition of celebrating the festival of colours in style.
“A signature festival, a signature song, and a celebration like no other! Our crew brought Holi to life with an energetic dance, proving that traditions take flight with us!” SpiceJet posted on their social media handle, clarifying that the “video was filmed on ground with all safety standards in place.”
SpiceJet chief customer officer Kamal Hingorani coloured his comments with enthusiasm: “Holi isn’t just about colours—it’s about energy, togetherness, and a splash of fun! At SpiceJet, we bring the same vibrancy to our work, fostering a culture of teamwork and positivity.”
Added SpiceJet chief business officer Debojo Maharshi: “Holi is a festival that paints the world with happiness, and at SpiceJet, we are thrilled to kick off the celebrations with our signature Balam Pichkari performance. Our incredible crew turned the aircraft into a stage of joy, blending music, dance, and tradition to create an unforgettable experience for our passengers. We are proud to celebrate India’s vibrant culture with this burst of festive cheer – wishing everyone a Holi filled with colour, love, and safe travels!”
The in-flight festivities have received plaudits from marketing experts. Sony Pictures Networks vice president sales Vikram Vijay Chandan described the campaign as “a masterclass in experiential marketing” that “worked like wildfire” by generating buzz and encouraging social media sharing.
“It humanised the brand by showcasing their crew’s enthusiasm, allowing the airline to differentiate itself and in the process helped foster brand loyalty,” Chandan remarked.
To watch the video click here: SpiceJet crew Holi dance
This isn’t the first time the budget carrier has painted outside the lines with its Holi celebrations. Previous performances include flash mob dances at Delhi airport in 2015 and 2017.
While some naysayers might cry foul over such airline antics, the colourful initiative certainly seems to have helped SpiceJet’s marketing efforts soar to new heights
Brands
IndiGo names William Walsh CEO
Former IATA chief to take charge in August after Elbers exit, Bhatia steers interim
India’s biggest airline has moved fast and gone global. InterGlobe Aviation, which operates IndiGo, has tapped aviation heavyweight William Walsh as chief executive officer, subject to regulatory approvals, marking a sharp pivot as the carrier eyes its next burst of expansion.
Walsh, currently director general at the International Air Transport Association, will step down on July 31, 2026, and is expected to take charge by August 3. The appointment comes barely three weeks after Pieter Elbers exited the corner office, with Rahul Bhatia holding the fort in the interim.
The choice signals intent. Walsh brings decades of cockpit-to-boardroom experience, having led British Airways and later International Airlines Group, the parent of Aer Lingus, Iberia and Vueling. His tenure across carriers has been defined by hard resets, restructurings and cross-border consolidation—skills IndiGo may need as competition intensifies and scale becomes decisive.
Vikram Singh Mehta, chairman and non-executive independent director of IndiGo, said Walsh’s experience in managing large-scale airline operations and navigating complex market dynamics makes him well-suited to lead IndiGo in an increasingly competitive global aviation environment, adding that the appointment marks a new chapter as the airline scales in one of the world’s fastest-growing markets.
Rahul Bhatia said Walsh’s global perspective, operational expertise and customer-focused approach would be critical as IndiGo enters its next phase of expansion.
Walsh, widely regarded as one of the industry’s most influential figures, will oversee overall management and strategic direction, with a mandate spanning operational performance, network expansion, commercial strategy and customer experience. He is expected to work closely with the board and leadership team to sharpen IndiGo’s growth trajectory.
Walsh said IndiGo has a strong foundation and is well-positioned to capitalise on the evolving aviation landscape, adding that he looks forward to fostering a culture of excellence, innovation and sustainable value creation across the organisation.
A new captain, a bigger runway—and a market that rewards scale. IndiGo is lining up for its next take-off.
