LT CDR GURPREET KOUR
Head of Airside Operations and Projects
Port Blair
Summary
Dynamic aviation professional with 12 years of experience in the Indian Navy, specializing in airside operations, airspace management, and large-scale infrastructure execution. Proven track record in risk mitigation, regulatory compliance, and emergency planning. Skilled in leading cross-functional teams, optimizing operational efficiency, and ensuring safety in high-pressure environments. Strong strategic and stakeholder management capabilities, with a focus on delivering resilient, compliant, and mission-critical aviation outcomes.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of Planning and Operations
Indian Navy
06.2023 - Current
- Led a ₹285 Cr Runway resurfacing project, improving asset lifecycle and throughput, while ensuring full regulatory compliance.
- Spearheaded a ₹500 Cr Airfield modernization program enabling CAT II lighting and night operations, integrating technology, infrastructure, and air traffic systems to boost airport capacity and agility.
- Executed an 11 km drainage strategy for climate resilience and future-proofing major expansion programs.
- Developed a ₹3 CrAirside maintenance plan aligned with ICAO Annex 14, optimizing asset performance and cost efficiency.
- Designed an ICAO-compliant asset dispersal model for defense services, increasing operational efficiency by 40%.
- Created SOPs for airside maintenance during extreme weather, ensuring compliance with Annex 14 standards.
Senior Manager (Air Space Management and Planning)
Indian Navy
12.2018 - 06.2023
- Led a ₹100 Cr Runway infrastructure project, including runway concretization, dispersal, and rescue & firefighting services, ensuring on-time, within-budget completion while adhering to aviation regulations and safety standards
- Executed a ₹20+ Cr ATC tower construction project, ensuring ICAO/DGCA compliance and enhancing air traffic management capabilities.
- Managed a ₹1.5 Cr/year aviation safety program over 5 years, reducing wildlife hazards and strengthening compliance through team training and risk mitigation.
- Planned and executed a 5-year airside maintenance project of ₹10 Cr , ensuring compliance with ICAO Doc 9157 for runways, taxiways, aprons, lighting, drainage, and obstacle limitation surfaces.
- Developed and implemented airside operations procedures in accordance with ICAO Doc 9137, enhancing apron management, aircraft parking, and emergency response systems, ensuring operational efficiency and safety compliance.
Air Traffic Planning & Coordination Manager
Indian Navy
12.2013 - 12.2018
- Acquired specialized aviation training and advanced certifications, building a strong foundation in aerodrome control, air traffic management, and aviation safety under complex conditions.
- Collaborated with AAI and Chennai International Airport to design and implement SOPs for Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) deployment in controlled airspace, ensuring safe integration of military and civilian aviation in line with Flexible use of airspace policy.
- Planned and executed an automated message-switching project between the naval airbase at Ramnathpuram and Chennai International Airport, facilitating seamless exchange of flight data and smooth operational flow.
- Led VIP movements and high-profile visits, including managing logistics, protocol coordination, stakeholder engagement, and event execution, demonstrating exceptional liaison and event management skills under national visibility.
- Managed NOCs and SACFA clearances and the demolition of obstructions (high-rise buildings and trees) in the final approach segment, ensuring adherence to safety and regulatory standards in accordance with GoI GSR 751(E).
Education
Management Development Program - General Mangement
Indian Institute of Management
Kozhikode, India 04.2001 -
MBA - Aviation Management
University of Petroleum And Energy Studies
Dehradun, India 04.2001 -
Certificate - Air Traffic Surveillance Services
Indian Air Force Academy
Secunderabad, India 04.2001 -
Certificate - Air Traffic Management And Air Laws
Indian Airforce Academy
Secunderabad, India 04.2001 -
Skills
Airside Operations & Projects
Accomplishments
- Commendation by Commander-in-Chief Andaman and Nicobar Command for utmost dedication and professional excellence.
- Sainya Seva Medal for serving under hardship conditions in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
- Ops Tasha Medal for joint operation by the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard in the Palk Bay area.
Timeline
Head of Planning and Operations
Indian Navy
06.2023 - Current
Senior Manager (Air Space Management and Planning)
Indian Navy
12.2018 - 06.2023
Air Traffic Planning & Coordination Manager
Indian Navy
12.2013 - 12.2018
Management Development Program - General Mangement
Indian Institute of Management
04.2001 -
MBA - Aviation Management
University of Petroleum And Energy Studies
04.2001 -
Certificate - Air Traffic Surveillance Services
Indian Air Force Academy
04.2001 -
Certificate - Air Traffic Management And Air Laws
Indian Airforce Academy
04.2001 -
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