vishal john

Aviation and Cargo Operations Leader with 20+ years of proven success in airline operations, logistics management, marketing, and aviation safety across India and the Middle East. Skilled in ramp handling, cargo space planning, stakeholder collaboration, ICAO safety compliance, and DGR cargo handling. Adept at executing strategic marketing plans aligned with organizational goals while ensuring regulatory and safety standards are met. Known for improving operational workflows, enhancing brand visibility, and maintaining safety excellence in high-pressure environments. 

Quality and Marketing Manager – Cargo 

Cargo Service Center, Ernakulam, India 

Mar 2023 – Present

Developed and executed marketing strategies aligned with business and airline partner goals, enhancing trade relationships and market presence. 

• Planned and launched advertising campaigns across digital and traditional platforms, improving brand engagement and cargo visibility. 
• Strengthened Emirates and partner airline brand identity through consistent messaging and branding initiatives in collaboration with CIAL and Airlines. 
• Provided expert technical advice on aviation safety, conducted safety audits, and ensured full adherence to Airline’s SMS and ICAO Annex 13 standards. 
• Led investigations of operational incidents and safety concerns; generated comprehensive reports identifying root causes and systemic safety risks. 
• Designed and implemented aviation safety procedures that minimized operational hazards and improved risk management protocols. 
• Coordinated closely with Customer Service, Sales, and Operations teams to ensure unified execution of marketing efforts and service standards. 
• Oversaw end-to-end cargo logistics including space allocation, cargo acceptance, ULD load planning, and vendor engagement. 
• Chaired monthly meetings with stakeholders including freight forwarders, CHAs, Airlines, and Customs officials for operational alignment. 
• Led monthly audits for Quality, Safety, and Security; ensured full compliance with BCAS, Customs, and airline-specific SOPs. 
• Conducted performance reviews, trained staff on regulatory compliance and SOP updates, and handled manpower scheduling. 

Operations Manager 

Quadsen Airways, Ernakulam, India 

Jun 2022 – Jan 2023 

• Supervised cargo dispatching, load optimization, and warehouse coordination to improve operational turnaround and resource allocation. 
• Implemented standard operating procedures for documentation, ramp safety, and space planning. 
• Managed interactions with 3PL providers, customs officials, and airline handling teams to streamline cargo clearance and tracking. 
• Developed staff performance metrics and operational KPIs to enhance accountability. 

Sales and Marketing Manager 

Mexx Global Logistics, Kuwait 

Sep 2020 – Feb 2021 

• Orchestrated marketing campaigns targeting freight forwarders, corporate clients, and agencies across the GCC region. 

Negotiated freight rates and built lasting partnerships with vendors and logistics partners. 

• Conducted client briefings and resolved cargo routing issues by coordinating closely with warehousing and customs. 
• Monitored revenue trends, created forecasts, and developed regional sales strategies. 

Ramp & Cargo Operations Specialist 

Kuwait Airways, Kuwait 

Jan 2008 – Sep 2020 

• Directed ramp operations: aircraft inspections, safety compliance, LIRF preparation, and on-time ground handling execution. 
• Managed cargo systems, ULD allocations, customs documentation, and post-flight shipment reconciliation. 
• Supervised Dangerous Goods (DGR) cargo handling and coordinated secure delivery of perishable and high-value shipments. 
• Trained ramp and cargo teams, coordinated with Load Control, and ensured full adherence to safety SOPs. 

Customer Service Agent – Ground & Cargo Handling 

Air India, Kochi, India 

Feb 2005 – Jan 2008 

• Facilitated passenger and cargo bookings, reissues, cancellations, and customer support queries. 
• Worked with internal departments to manage accurate reservation data and PNR adjustments. 
• Assisted in daily ground operations including baggage handling, boarding gate support, and flight coordination. 

Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Biochemistry 

Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala – 2003 

CERTIFICATIONS & TRAINING 

• IATA-FIATA Diploma in Cargo & DGR – Montreal, Canada 
• Dangerous Goods Regulations – Kuwait Airways/Speed wings (7.1B Valid Feb 2027) 
• ISO 9001:2015 Internal Auditor – ABS QE 
• TSA Security Awareness – Cargolux 
• Aircraft Rescue & Firefighting – CIAL ARFF 

AVSEC Cargo & Mail – Kuwait Airways 

• Airside Safety & Human Factors – Kuwait Airways 
• AVI Training – Air France & KLM 
• Computer Reservation System (CRS)