Brief about the role :
The Associate Director – Crew Systems role is responsible for end-to-end governance, optimization, and strategic development of crew management systems at IndiGo—primarily AIMS or any advanced crew solutions adopted by the airline. You will lead the technology, process, and policy interface between OCC, Crew Management, and IT to ensure safe, compliant, efficient, and cost-effective crew operations across the network.
This role requires strong operational expertise, vendor / contract leadership, and the ability to drive digital transformation for crew-related workflows.
Qualification & Experience :
- 12+ years of experience in airline operations, OCC, crew management, or crew systems
- Experience with AIMS or a leading crew ops platform is essential
- Experience in managing teams and working in a high-stakes operational environment
- Engineering, Aviation Management, or related degree preferred; Master’s degree is a plus
Key Skills set and competencies :
Strong knowledge of Crew Management Systems (AIMS, Jeppesen, Sabre, or similar)Deep understanding of crew scheduling, rostering, FDTL / FTL rules, and OCC operationsExpertise in contract / vendor management and technical system governanceAnalytical and structured problem-solving mindsetAbility to manage high-pressure operations and time-critical decisionsStrong cross-functional communication and stakeholder alignment skillsExperience in project management, product ownership, or digital transformationJob responsibility :
Serve as the product owner for the airline’s Crew Scheduling, Pairing, Rostering, and Day-of-Ops systems (AIMS or equivalent)Ensure system stability, reliability, and continuous availability for OCC and Crew ManagementDrive system configuration aligned with regulatory, policy, and operational needsLead and approve change requests, release management, and version upgradesIdentify process gaps and enhance workflows for crew planning, rostering, tracking, and disruption managementDevelop SOPs, governance controls, and compliance frameworks for crew system usageIntroduce automation and AI-based tools to reduce manual interventions and improve decision-makingEnsure the system accurately interprets DGCA regulations, FDTL rules, company policies, and special agreementsOversee tools used for crew notifications, duty changes, and communicationLiaise with OCC, Flight Ops, Cabin Ops, HR / Crew Resources, Network Planning, Legal, IT, and senior leadershipInterpret operational needs and translate them into system functionalitiesCollaborate with DGCA and external bodies for compliance audits and regulatory updatesManage end-to-end contract lifecycle with AIMS or any vendor partnersConduct performance reviews, SLAs, penalty management, and commercial negotiationsEnsure rapid vendor response to defects, disruptions, and system outagesLead projects related to new fleet types, network expansion, wide-body / XLR introduction, and wet lease / special opsDrive system enhancements for new operational needs (e.g., ULH, international bases, multi-contract crew)Support digital transformation initiatives and integration with other OCC systemsBuild and lead a high-performing team of Crew System Analysts, Config Specialists, and OCC support staffMentor team members, develop technical / operational capability, and define performance KPIsCreate a culture of continuous improvement and operational consistency