Airport Strategy & Development Leader

The Airport Planning and Development (APD) function plays a pivotal role in shaping an airport’s long-term growth, capacity strategy, and operational excellence. The department drives the strategic planning of infrastructure, capacity, and technical design through four key verticals : Core Verticals

1. Capacity & Master Planning

Uses advanced forecast-modelling tools (such as CAST) to validate and optimize airport capacity using data-driven insights.

Conducts weekly Capacity Coordination Committee Meetings to present traffic forecasts to departments such as Terminal Operations, Security, Commercial, Aviation Business, and AOCC.

Leads traffic forecasting, land-use planning, and capacity safeguarding to ensure infrastructure stays ahead of demand.

Maintains and updates the Airport Master Plan every five years, manages AAI NOCAS approvals, and oversees planning regulations and land requirements across departments.

Represents the airport in external regulatory meetings such as MoCA, AERA, BCAS, APAO, BIAPPA, etc.

2. Airside & Landside Design

Serves as the technical backbone for airside and landside development, ensuring designs adhere to global codes, best practices, and sustainability requirements. Covers civil, architectural, MEP, AGL, drainage, ICT, safety, and value engineering. Ensures governance and design validation of consultant submissions.

3. Project Coordination Group (PCG)

Coordinates stakeholder engagement to ensure projects are aligned with organizational requirements. Through the Method of Work Plan (MOWP) process, ensures all projects obtain functional clearances and comply with regulations for working within an airport environment.

Collectively, these pillars guide strategic planning, capacity enhancement, sustainable design, and seamless project delivery.

Capacity Planning & Analytics

Ensure weekly CAST modelling output for all terminals and integrate results into Power BI dashboards.

• Lead weekly Capacity Coordination Committee meetings;

ensure department inputs strengthen model robustness.

Drive BI & data analytics activities to support capacity planning and promote a data-driven decision-making culture.

Progressively integrate all organizational data sources into the BI platform and enable self-service analytics for decision makers.

Lead development of BIM models using as-built data and surveys.

Master Planning

Lead periodic Airport Master Plan updates across airside, terminals, cargo, logistics, access roads, and support infrastructure.

Define and maintain the land-use functional master plan for long-term safeguarding and optimal land utilization.

Strengthen short-, medium-, and long-term simulation modelling capabilities.

Assess impact of infrastructure, technology changes, and regulatory requirements on capacity and the master plan.

Engage internal and external stakeholders to ensure the master plan supports future airport growth.

Manage AAI NOC and BIAPPA approvals and maintain all regulatory compliance throughout the project lifecycle.

Project Coordination Group (PCG)

Strengthen PCG involvement from planning to design phases and recruit staff as needed.

Ensure MOWP processes are followed and all functional clearances are secured.

Develop dashboards to track critical issues, delays, and interdependencies within the project portfolio.

Integrate project briefs, timelines, and requirements to ensure alignment with strategic goals.

Research & Process Excellence

Lead research collaborations with institutions, OEMs, airlines, and industry bodies.

Identify and implement process improvements to support organizational excellence.

People Management

Supervise all team activities ensuring adherence to policies, quality standards, and operational efficiency.

Drive capability building through on-the-job training, IATA / ACI programmes, conferences, and exposure visits.

Provide constructive feedback and support professional development plans.

Conduct team-building activities to strengthen engagement and effectiveness.

Performance Reporting

Prepare annual, seasonal, and monthly PMO and Capacity Planning reports.

Use BI platforms to generate cross-functional dashboards and insights that strengthen the organization’s data-driven culture.

Qualifications

Post-graduate degree in Airport Master Planning / Civil Engineering from a recognized institution.

20+ years of progressively responsible experience in airport / aviation (consulting or operational).

Deep understanding of capacity planning, airport operations, commercial frameworks, and global aviation trends.

Strong knowledge of legal, technical, regulatory, and commercial issues related to airport development.

Proven experience in managing airport projects, master planning, and stakeholder engagement, preferably in India / Asia.

Strong quantitative and analytical capabilities, including modelling and demand–capacity analysis.

Based at the airport with willingness to travel.