The skies have been my greatest classroom, and every flight has been a lesson in resilience, precision, and leadership. Receiving the Tamil Nadu Business Excellency Award as Young Women Aviation Leader 2024 is not just a personal achievement; it’s a celebration of everything aviation stands for—connection, innovation, and progress. To me, this award signifies the immense responsibility we, as leaders, hold in nation-building. It reaffirms my mission to create an aviation landscape that is safe, innovative, and inclusive, where every contribution soars towards a greater cause.
A Journey Forged by Passion and Perseverance
Aviation is more than just flying—it’s about bridging distances, breaking barriers, and creating opportunities. My journey began with the dream of becoming a pilot, and through over 8,000 hours in the air, I’ve realized that the real magic lies in what aviation enables: the power to connect people and build communities across the world.
Flying Boeing 737s and Airbus 320s with Jet Airways and AirAsia India was exhilarating, but some of my most defining moments came not from smooth landings but from challenges—like being among the last group of pilots fighting to revive Jet Airways. It was in those turbulent times that I learned the true essence of leadership: staying focused, leading with empathy, and never giving up on the mission.
Redefining Aviation Leadership: From Cockpit to Compliance
Transitioning into regulatory oversight with DGCA was a new chapter—a challenge that demanded I recalibrate my skills from being a captain in the cockpit to becoming a leader in aviation safety. As a Flight Operations Inspector (FOI), I oversee audits, inspections, and compliance, ensuring that the highest safety standards are upheld. Being responsible for the Tamil Nadu region since 2021 has tested my endurance, but it has also been deeply fulfilling.
Innovation drives my work today. Aviation is at the crossroads of technology and transformation, and I believe the future lies in integrating artificial intelligence, regulatory frameworks, and business models to reshape the way we fly. My research on using IoT and AI to enhance customer experience reflects this vision. In aviation, every minor improvement creates a ripple effect—saving time, enhancing safety, and driving operational efficiency.
An Award with a Purpose: Building a Legacy of Leadership
The Tamil Nadu Business Excellency Award stands for more than just personal recognition—it reflects the responsibility of building an aviation ecosystem that contributes meaningfully to the nation. Every safe flight, every regulatory breakthrough, and every innovation is a step towards a stronger, more connected India. To lead in aviation is to play a part in the nation’s development, driving progress at 30,000 feet and beyond.
This recognition also belongs to the people who have walked this journey with me—my family, friends, and mentors. It belongs to my brother Vijay, whose remarkable achievements despite incredible challenges inspire me daily. Watching him defy limits reminds me that obstacles are just opportunities waiting to be conquered.
The Horizon Ahead: A Vision Beyond the Skies
For me, this award isn’t the end—it’s the beginning of a new mission. I believe aviation’s true potential lies in combining human talent with the power of technology. With AI, automation, and data-driven strategies, the way we fly will change—and so must our approach to safety, compliance, and customer experience.
Looking ahead, my focus is on fostering innovation and building a future where the skies are safer, smarter, and more sustainable. But aviation isn’t just about technology—it’s also about people. It’s time to see more women in leadership roles in aviation, contributing their ideas, insights, and strengths. The skies don’t discriminate, and neither should we.
I am committed to inspiring the next generation of aviators, leaders, and innovators to dream bigger and fly higher. As I continue on this journey, I carry with me the lessons from every takeoff and landing—lessons of persistence, purpose, and possibility. Together, we can build a future where the skies are not just a destination, but a platform for growth, unity, and progress.
This award has given me wings to dream bolder. The flight is far from over—and I am ready for the next adventure.
By Capt. Poonam Devrakhyani
