Air India, the flag carrier airline of India, is renowned for its commitment to operational excellence and exceptional customer service. As part of its ongoing growth and dedication to maintaining high standards, Air India is seeking a dynamic and skilled professional to join their team as Manager – Base Operations in Mumbai. This role is pivotal in ensuring the airline’s operations run smoothly, maintaining safety standards, enhancing crew engagement, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
In this article, we will explore the key responsibilities, qualifications, and growth opportunities associated with this position, as well as why Air India is an excellent place to advance your career in the aviation industry.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Excellence
As the Manager of Base Operations, your primary focus will be on Operational Excellence. You will be responsible for maintaining defined On-Time Performance (OTP) levels, ensuring the timely departure and arrival of flights. This includes:
- Daily Crew Briefings: You will oversee and ensure attendance at daily crew briefings, which are essential for creating a service-oriented environment. The focus will be on instilling a culture of customer delight with every crew set.
- Crew and Customer Interaction: Your role involves interfacing with cabin executives and crew post-flight to gather feedback on customer experiences and service quality. This insight will be crucial in monitoring and improving Net Promoter Scores (NPS).
- Performance Monitoring: You will be responsible for maintaining above-threshold crew availability and assisting in managing escalations regarding discipline and operational challenges.
- Communication: Effective communication is vital in this role. You will be responsible for sharing best practices with the crew, recognizing outstanding service, and fostering cooperation during operational exigencies.
Safety Management
Safety is paramount in aviation, and as the Manager – Base Operations, you will:
- Update Crew on Safety Protocols: Keep the crew informed about the latest safety updates and regulations from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
- Conduct Safety Audits: Ensure adherence to safety regulations and facilitate timely escalations of any safety violations.
- Participation in Safety Advisory Group Meetings: Attend SAG meetings as needed to discuss safety-related matters and enhance operational safety.
Crew Engagement
To ensure a motivated workforce, you will play a crucial role in Crew Engagement. Your responsibilities will include:
- Engagement Activities: Planning and conducting periodic engagement activities for the crew and ground teams to foster a positive work environment.
- Addressing Concerns: Actively manage day-to-day crew concerns related to accommodations, transport, compensation, uniforms, and more.
- Feedback Implementation: Implement corrective actions based on crew inputs received through internal communication platforms.
Rostering and Scheduling
Efficient scheduling is vital to smooth operations. You will:
- Emergency Leave Requests: Escalate and manage emergency leave requests from crew members, ensuring fairness in flight allocations and minimizing deviations.
Crew Training and Development
The development of crew members is essential for maintaining high service standards. You will:
- Manage Training Attendance: Implement consequence management for attendance and performance in training sessions, ensuring that all crew members are well-trained in safety, service, and leadership.
- Data-Driven Insights: Utilize data insights to inform timely actions and improvements in training and performance.
Administration and Reporting
Administrative responsibilities are crucial for effective operations. You will:
- SOP Adherence: Ensure smooth operations at the base, adhering to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Stakeholder Liaison: Liaise with various departmental stakeholders to enhance operational effectiveness.
- Documentation and Reporting: Work with central teams on documentation and ensure timely availability of system reports, maintaining crew performance records.
- Budgeting Assistance: Assist in budgeting for operational and capital expenditures at the base.
People Management and Development
In this role, you will also focus on People Management and Development. Key responsibilities include:
- Crew Development: Manage and develop crew and ground reportees, aligning their growth with organizational expectations.
- Talent Identification: Identify high-potential crew and ground team members based on performance, facilitating their upskilling for larger roles within the organization.
Qualifications and Skills Required
- Educational Background: A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field; an MBA or equivalent is preferred.
- Experience: A minimum of 5-7 years of experience in airline operations, with at least 2-3 years in a managerial role.
- Leadership Skills: Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop a diverse workforce.
- Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with crew and stakeholders.
- Problem-Solving Ability: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, particularly in operational contexts.
- Knowledge of Aviation Regulations: Familiarity with DGCA regulations and safety protocols.
Why Work at Air India?
Joining Air India as a Manager – Base Operations offers numerous benefits:
- Dynamic Work Environment: Work in a fast-paced, ever-evolving industry where no two days are the same.
- Career Growth Opportunities: Air India emphasizes talent development and offers pathways for career advancement.
- Commitment to Excellence: Be part of an organization that values operational excellence, safety, and customer satisfaction.
- Cultural Diversity: Work in a culturally rich environment with diverse teams, enhancing personal and professional growth.
How to Apply
If you are enthusiastic about a career in aviation and possess the qualifications mentioned earlier, we encourage you to apply for the role of Manager – Base Operations in Mumbai.
To submit your application:
- Update Your Resume: Make sure your resume showcases your relevant skills, experiences, and achievements in operations management and crew leadership.
- Craft a Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter expressing your interest in the position. Highlight your understanding of the aviation sector and explain how your background aligns with the key responsibilities of this role.
- Send Your Application: You can apply by submitting your materials through our company’s careers page.
- Interview Process: Candidates who qualify will be invited for an interview. Be prepared to discuss your past experiences, problem-solving skills, and how you envision contributing to the success of our base operations.
