Former Air New Zealand CEO Toomey to head Jet Airways

Toomey takes over Jet Airways as Etihad takes a 24 per cent stake in the airline. (Julian Green)

After maintaining a low profile since the spectacular collapse of Ansett in 2001, Gary Toomey has been appointed as CEO of India’s second largest airline, Jet Airways.

Following a successful period as chief financial officer at Qantas, as CEO of Air New Zealand Toomey led the disastrous campaign to acquire Ansett resulting in the collapse of the Australian airline and forcing the New Zealand government to bail out its then cash-depleted national carrier.

Toomey joins Jet Airways as Etihad finalises a 24 per cent stake in the Indian carrier, which last financial year reported a net loss of US$89 million.