Senior Manager Flight Operations

Gautam Harpalani

+91-981******* ******.*********@*****.*** LinkedIn

Experienced Senior Manager with 32+ years in flight dispatch and operations control. Skilled in driving business growth, efficiency, and regulatory compliance through strategic improvements. Recognized for leadership, team management and client relationship building. Expertise in flight dispatch policy, ERP, and flight planning systems. Trained in Aviation Quality Assurance, adept at implementing quality systems and enhancing team dynamics for safer, more productive operations and increased revenues.

Skyhop Aviation Pvt Ltd Manager - Flight Operations

[July 2025- Till date]

-Ensured compliance of all flight operations documentation with CAP 3300 (Air Operator Certification Manual) standards.

-Maintained and updated Operations Manuals (OMS) and Civil Aviation Regulations.

-Managing the Documentation of DHC-6-400 (Twin Otter aircrafts) and Technical Library, including Aerodrome SOPs, Operations Circulars, Air Safety Notices and AIPs.

-Overseeing updates of Jeppesen route manuals.

-Coordination with vendors for printing and managed the distribution of manuals to bases.

-Maintained accurate records and control logs for all manuals and documents.

-Conducted aerodrome inspections for SRA compliance and developed aerodrome SOPs.

-Attending review meetings.

-Processed AEPs (Airport Entry Passes) for all pilots and managed GTR and SEP certificate issuance.

-Coordinated dispatch-related tasks with CPS executives and flight dispatchers.

-Facilitated FRRO (Visa) extension processes for expat pilots in collaboration with designated personnel.

-Issued Operations Circulars and uploaded them to the Crew Web Portal.

-Maintained and updated pilot training files and ensured systematic filing within the Flight Operations Office.

-Provided additional operational support as directed by the Director – Flight Operations.

IndiGo Airlines Senior Manager, Flight Dispatch [May 2007 – July 2024]

(Exited due to company restructuring)

-Extensive hands-on experience with Navblue Aircraft Scheduling and Flight Planning tools.

-Analyze network delays, recommend procedural changes, and suggest improvements to minimize delays and ensure smooth operations.

-Implement company flight operations policies as outlined in the company operations manual, ensuring conformity with DGCA rules and guidelines.

-Oversaw for incident, accident, and unlawful interference notifications as per established procedures.

-Coordinate closely with flight operations support, oversaw for long-term flight supervision processes and interaction with nodal agencies, including DGCA, airport authorities, and vendors.

-Brief crew on route analysis and the operational flight plan, providing the latest available route information.

-Prepare ATC flight plans, monitor flight movements, and utilize available communication facilities.

-Design and prepare flight dispatch infrastructure.

-Approve flight procedures and operating policies to ensure safe, efficient, and economical operations.

-Control and monitor operational standards of the flight crew to ensure compliance with IndiGo Airlines operating standards.

-Liaise with other departments to ensure on-time performance.

-Maintain and update all rules, regulations, SOPs, and general operating circulars related to line operations, and notify flight crew of any changes.

-Develop a code of conduct and regulatory practices to ensure consistency in the counselling and disciplining of aircrew.

-Carried out regular quality assurance checks to maintain and improve standards.

-Perform additional duties as assigned by VP Operations, Director Flight Dispatch, or Director-OCC.

-

Go First (Formerly Known as Go Air) Manager, Flight Operations. [Oct 2005 – Apr 2007]

-Established systems during the installation and commissioning of airline operations in Mumbai and subsequently in Delhi.

-Prepared documents, plans, and designed formats used for dispatch.

-Designed and prepared flight dispatch infrastructure.

-Approved crew utilization optimization plans.

-Ensured compliance with crew rosters.

-Maintained and updated the Go Air operations manual.

-Continuously explored opportunities to reduce operational costs.

-Analyzed exceptional delays and trends.

-Approved flight procedures and operating policies to ensure safe, efficient, economical, and coordinated operations.

-Controlled and monitored the operational standards of flight crew, ensuring compliance with Go Air operating standards.

-Coordinated with various departments to guarantee timely performance.

-Regularly revised and updated all rules, regulations, SOPs, and general operating circulars related to line operations, informing the flight crew of any changes.

-Ensured adherence to government regulations, provisions, and safety and operational requirements for flight operations.

-Created a code of conduct and regulatory practices to maintain uniformity in counselling and disciplining aircrew.

-Undertook additional responsibilities as assigned by the VP of Operations.

Alliance Air Officer, Flight Operations [May 1996 – October 2005]

-Assist flight crew with flight preparations.

-Manage, develop, and supervise the shift duties and responsibilities of staff.

-Coordinate with commercial and engineering departments regarding aircraft movements, changes, and delays.

-Prepare tools for checking, amending the operational flight plan for the commander’s approval, and filing the ATC flight plan.

-Ascertain the maintenance status of the aircraft, collect relevant information and NOTAMs, and brief the pilot-in-command.

-Schedule and plan for obtaining ATC clearance and hand it over to the aircrew.

-Advise the commander and maintenance team on fuel requirements and RTOW of the flight.

-Carried out a thorough analysis of meteorological reports and forecasts for departure destinations, alternate airports, and en route stations.

-Monitor flight movements and ensure any significant warnings are communicated to approaching aircraft.

-Monitor crew Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL).

Sahara Airlines Officer, Flight Dispatch [April 1993 – April 1996]

-Perform aircraft dispatch functions, including fuel calculations and preparation of Load and Trim sheets.

-Oversee and monitor ramp activities.

-Schedule and roster the entire airline crew in accordance with flight schedules.

Flight Dispatchers Course, Delhi Flying Club (1995)

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Delhi University (DU) (1993)

Class XII (CBSE), Kendra Vidyalaya (1989)

Class X (CBSE), Manav Sthali School, New Delhi (1987)

Marital Status: Married, 2 kids

References: Available on request.

Contact this candidate