Backstory

I grew up in Kerala, at a time when India’s skies were just beginning to open. What began as a passion for travel became a career that has spanned over four decades, across borders, boardrooms, and bustling airports.

After completing my MBA in Sales & Marketing from Cochin University, and a stint as a university debater and footballer, I was chosen as a Chevening Scholar to attend the Advanced Management Program at Manchester Business School — one of five professionals from India selected that year. That experience gave me a global lens to view one of the most dynamic industries of our time: aviation.

From the tarmacs of Mumbai to the strategy rooms of Kuala Lumpur and Colombo, I’ve had the privilege of leading airline growth stories across India, South Asia, and the Middle East. Whether launching new routes, building teams, navigating government relations, or scaling operations, I’ve always been drawn to the challenge of transforming potential into performance.

What Drives Me

Aviation is not just about aircraft — it’s about people, partnerships, and possibilities. Over the years, I’ve worked with some of the most recognized names in the industry — Cathay Pacific, Jet Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Paramount Airways, and now AirAsia Group — helping them enter new markets, grow responsibly, and stay resilient through industry shifts.

I’m especially passionate about low-cost carriers (LCCs) and the role they play in making air travel accessible. In India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, and the Maldives, I’ve been part of early-market entries, local partnerships, and operational scale-ups that helped redefine connectivity across South Asia.

On the Lookout For

I enjoy mentoring emerging aviation leaders, working with governments on regional air connectivity, and speaking at global forums on the evolving landscape of travel. If you’re working on aviation policy, market expansion, or startup airline ventures in the subcontinent, I’m always open to meaningful conversations.