New Delhi: The Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) recently concluded its selection process for the critical post of Member (Operations) at the Airports Authority of India (AAI), a prominent Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Civil Aviation. However, in its meeting held on October 23, 2025, PESB decided not to recommend any candidate for the position, citing that none of the interviewed executives met the board’s expectations for this senior role.
Interviews Conducted for Member (Operations) Position
During the PESB meeting, 12 senior executives from AAI appeared for the interview process. These candidates represented diverse leadership roles within the organization, including:
- Suneel Dutt, Executive Director (CNS Planning)
- Sridhar Kumar Mallick, Executive Director (CNS Operation and Maintenance)
- Sujoy Dey, Executive Director (Planning)
- Nandita Bhatt, Executive Director (Planning)
- Pulla Hezekiah, General Manager (Operations)
- Vikram Singh, General Manager (Operations), AAI CHQ
- S. Senthil Valavan, General Manager (ATM-Training)
- Dr. Gursewak Manish, Executive Director, Indian Aviation Academy
- Santosh Dhoke, General Manager & Airport Director
- Utpal Datta Baruah, General Manager (Air Traffic Management)
- Anchal Prakash, General Manager (Engineering-Civil) – JVC
- Dr. Shyameshwar Dayal Sharma, General Manager (Project), Bihta Civil Enclave, Patna, Bihar
Despite the extensive pool of candidates and their varied expertise, the board did not find any individual sufficiently qualified to fill the Member (Operations) post at this time.
PESB’s Recommendation and Next Steps
Following the interviews and evaluation, the PESB recommended that the Administrative Ministry or Department responsible should decide the next steps. These could include initiating a fresh Search-cum-Selection Committee (SCSC) process or considering other recruitment methods as deemed fit. Any further action will require approval from the competent authority.
Importance of the Member (Operations) Role at AAI
The Member (Operations) is a crucial position within the Airports Authority of India, tasked with overseeing key operational aspects such as air traffic management, airport operations, and strategic planning. The role demands comprehensive leadership capabilities to ensure safe, efficient, and smooth functioning of the country’s extensive aviation infrastructure.
About Airports Authority of India (AAI)
Established in 1995 under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Airports Authority of India is responsible for creating, upgrading, maintaining, and managing civil aviation infrastructure in India. AAI manages over 140 airports across the country, including international, domestic, and customs airports. It plays a vital role in ensuring safe and efficient air travel by managing air traffic services and airport operations.
