New leaders will determine post-pandemic fortunes for Air India and IndiGo

India's two largest airlines have unveiled high-profile CEO hires, underlining the fact that the country's airline sector is entering a new phase with a dramatically altered competitive landscape.

Air India and IndiGo have both selected experienced airline leaders from airlines outside the country, while other Indian airlines have also made CEO changes recently. This will give the Indian airline industry a very different look in the post-pandemic period.

The leadership reshuffle is fitting, as in many cases the airlines themselves have been shaken up by restructurings, ownership changes and relaunches. It looks as if the Indian airline sector will be one of the most interesting - and dynamic - to watch over the next few years.