Daijiworld Media Network – Chennai
Chennai, Jun 19: V Muruganandam has assumed charge as the Regional Executive Director (Southern Region) of the Airports Authority of India (AAI), Chennai, with effect from June 17.
A veteran aviation professional with more than 35 years of experience, Muruganandam has extensive expertise in Communication, Navigation, Surveillance and Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) systems.
He joined the Airports Authority of India in December 1989 and has since played a significant role in the planning, installation, operation, maintenance and modernisation of aviation infrastructure across the country.
According to an AAI release, Muruganandam possesses comprehensive knowledge of Air Navigation Services (ANS) and airport systems and is certified in the operation and maintenance of modern CNS/ATM technologies. He has undergone specialised training programmes in India and abroad, including in Norway, South Korea and France.
Recognised for his contributions to aviation training, he is a certified ICAO TRAINAIR Course Developer and Instructor. He has developed Standardised Training Packages (STPs) under the ICAO TRAINAIR programme and serves as a Subject Matter Expert in competency-based training design, development, delivery and assessment.
Muruganandam is also an ICAO-trained Safety Management professional and has conducted several safety management workshops at airports across southern India.
Throughout his career, he has been acknowledged for his leadership during major operational challenges, including the Chennai floods in 2015, Cyclone Vardah in 2016, the COVID-19 pandemic and severe weather disruptions in Chennai in 2023, ensuring uninterrupted Air Navigation Services during critical situations.
He also played a key role in implementing Quality Management Systems within AAI and is a certified ISO 9001 Internal Auditor. As the Southern Region's nodal officer, he led the rollout of quality management practices across multiple airports.
Before taking over as Regional Executive Director, Muruganandam served as Chief Instructor (CNS) at the Civil Aviation Training College (CATC), Prayagraj.
In his new role, he will oversee the operations and development of more than 30 airports across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, Puducherry and Lakshadweep. His responsibilities will include strengthening airport operations and air navigation services with a focus on safety, efficiency and capacity enhancement.
Muruganandam holds a degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering and has an M.S. in Advanced ANSP Management from ENAC, France, an MBA in Operations and Finance from Anna University, and an M.E. in Digital Systems. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Aviation Operations.