Siddhartha Butalia has taken up a new leadership role at flydubai as Senior Vice President – Corporate Brand, Marketing & Communications, marking his move to the Dubai-based airline after more than two decades with the Tata Group.
Butalia’s appointment comes shortly after his exit from Air India Express, where he served as Chief Marketing Officer. He had joined Air India Express from AirAsia India and had been associated with the airline since 2019.
In his new role, Butalia will oversee flydubai’s corporate brand, marketing, public relations, internal communications and broader brand-management functions. His mandate will also include strengthening stakeholder engagement and aligning the airline’s communications with its wider business and growth objectives.
Butalia brings over two decades of experience spanning brand, marketing, communications and corporate affairs. During his career with the Tata Group, he worked across businesses and brands including Tetley, Taj Hotels, AirAsia and Air India Express.
At Air India Express, his responsibilities extended beyond conventional marketing. He oversaw areas including brand and marketing, PR and corporate communications, customer experience, loyalty and sustainability, according to ETBrandEquity.
His tenure coincided with the broader transformation of Tata Group’s aviation businesses following the group’s acquisition and subsequent consolidation of its airline operations. Butalia was part of the leadership team involved in the evolution of Air India Express’ brand and positioning within the group’s aviation portfolio.
Before his Tata Group roles, Butalia also worked with agencies including JWT and Ogilvy, in addition to stints across businesses such as Tata Beverages and Taj Hotels.
Butalia joins flydubai at a period of network and fleet expansion for the airline.
The carrier currently serves more than 125 destinations across 56 countries, spanning Africa, Asia, the GCC and Middle East, and Europe. It is also expanding its fleet, with plans to receive 11 new aircraft in 2026.
The airline is preparing for further fleet growth through orders for 30 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, followed by 150 Airbus A321neos from 2031, while also undertaking a cabin retrofit programme that will introduce lie-flat Business Class seats on selected aircraft.
