Civil Aviation Training College, Airports Authority of India, Bamrauli, Prayagraj-211012
Shri Venkateshwar LPrincipal / Executive DirectorView DetailsShri Venkateshwar LPrincipal / Executive DirectorShri Venkateshwar L currently serves as the Executive Director/Principal at the Civil Aviation Training College (CATC), Bamrauli, Prayagraj, a premier training institute in South-East Asia specializing in Air Navigation Services.
An Engineering graduate from Gulbarga University, he completed his B.E. in 1991 and later acquired the prestigious Airport Management Professional Accreditation Program (AMPAP) and graduated as International Airport Professional (IAP) in 2007. He also completed certificate course on General Management from IIM Indore in 2018
Shri Venkateshwar began his aviation career in September 1992 as a Manager (COM-ELEX) and underwent ab-initio training at CATC Prayagraj from 28-09-1992 to 19-02-1993. Over 32 years, he has progressed through various leadership roles, including Senior Manager, Assistant General Manager, Deputy General Manager, and General Manager, serving in multiple locations such as Mumbai, Dimapur, Kanchipuram, CATC Prayagraj, ACS Chennai, RHQ (SR) Chennai, Cochin (CIAL), RHQ (NER) Guwahati, and CHQ New Delhi.
Key Contributions
- At Mumbai
Gained experience as an ATSEP across all CNS units, ensuring the smooth provision of CNS services.
- At Dimapur
Served as in-charge of Navaids and Security equipment, effectively managing CNS responsibilities.
- At Kanchipuram
Successfully resolved a long-standing VOR/DME issue and addressed land disputes with local authorities, securing land for AAI.
- First Tenure at CATC Prayagraj
Made significant contributions as an instructor, developing and updating various CNS courses. He also led the ECIL AMSS & LAN/WAN project and served as the Radar Simulator Coordinator.
- Chennai Airport
Managed a portfolio of CNS facilities, including Navaids, HF TX/RX, VHF, and Radar. Instrumental in modernizing HF TX/RX unit at Chennai, a model for other Indian stations. Developed an in-house software dedicated to the RPL system, earning the Chairman’s Award for innovative excellence in 2007-08.
- Cochin International Airport
As Airport Controller, implemented improvements for AAI staff welfare and established separate ATC units for Tower and Approach. Successfully hosted parliamentary committee on civil aviation assurance and CANSO AGM, drawing participants around 50 countries which received many accolades across the globe.
- Second Tenure at Chennai
Project in-charge for Automation and VCCS along with regular CNS portfolio. Also served as HOD for Vigilance and contributed to updating key manuals (ANS Procurement, Commercial, Operational, Engineering) and coordinated with CVO, receiving appreciation for his diligence.
- General Manager (CNS) at RHQ NER
Resolved numerous CNS-related challenges, including the commissioning of ILS at Barapani. Managed several portfolios, including General Stores, GM (HR) etc. Oversaw the commissioning of the Guwahati and Imphal Radar and ensured essential CNS facilities for RCS airport operations in the region.
- General Manager(CNS) at RHQ SR
Ensured CNS facilities for operations at RCS airports like Neyveli, Vellore and Shimoga. Served as RED SR for four months, handling regional responsibilities efficiently.
- General Manager (CNS) at CHQ
Focused on Airport Systems, Navaids, Parliamentary matters, RTI, Vigilance, NOCAS matters and CNS Simulation, managing these areas with distinction.
Due to his significant contributions, he is elevated to the position of Executive Director (CNS) and is tasked with transforming CATC Prayagraj in world class ANS training institute; in line with the corporate goals and Mission & Vision of AAI. The goal of Principal CATC is to develop the Next Generation Aviation Professionals (N-GAP) of ANS to address the challenges of the aviation industry and support its growth.
Personal and Professional Attributes
Shri Venkateshwar is an avid sports enthusiast, actively participating in events organized by AAI. He is known for his ability to connect effortlessly with people from diverse backgrounds, resolving challenges and developing solutions efficiently. Over the years, he has honed his skills in personnel management and team leadership, driving his teams to achieve excellence. His commitment to ongoing learning and encouraging his colleagues to reach their full potential is a testament to his leadership style.
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Shri. V. Muruganandam joined the civil aviation arena after graduating in Electronics and Communication Engineering. He has served Airports Authority of India (AAI) in various spheres for planning, building and operating different Communication, Navigation, Surveillance / Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) infrastructure in Indian airports.
With over 35 years of rich experience in aviation, he is qualified with the following core competencies:
• Certified professional of Airports Authority in maintenance and operations of all the present generation of CNS/ATM systems.
• Certified by International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in Safety Management System (SMS).
• Certified training course developer and instructor under UNDP ICAO TRAINAIR programme (has developed Standardized Training Packages (STPs) for the TRAINAIR global sharing pool and delivered an international Course Developers’ Workshop).
• Subject Matter Expert (SME) in training design, development and delivery.
Mr. V. Muruganandam has a rich experience in crisis management of aviation operations. Management of unprecedented floods at Chennai airport in December 2015, Vardha Cyclone in 2016, Sustenance of ANS operations during COVID 2020 -21 (by devising and implementing appropriate procedures for deployment of human resources) and during heavy rains in 2023 as General Manager (CNS) of Chennai airport, stand as testimony for his prowess in crisis/contingency management.
Continuing his academic pursuits, he holds MS degree in ANSP Management Advanced Master’s Course from ENAC University, France; a Master’s degree in Engineering from Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology (MNNIT) Allahabad, and is a Gold Medalist in MBA from Anna University, Chennai. He is currently pursuing his PhD programme in aviation operations.
Mr. V. Muruganandam is a key resource person in Quality Management. As a nodal officer of Regional Headquarters – SR, he had implemented ISO 9001 Quality Management System (QMS) in various airports of AAI – SR. He is a certified ISO QMS Internal auditor.
Holding the position of General Manager (CNS), Mr. V. Muruganandam has recently joined Civil Aviation Training College – Prayagraj as Chief Instructor (CNS). He has embarked on this journey with the clear objective of elevating CATC – Prayagraj as a Centre of Excellence in aviation training. Leveraging his extensive experience in aviation operations, training design, development and delivery, he is committed to ensure quality training programmes aimed at developing the competencies of Next Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAP) in India.
Sh. KOTHE V S S H RAO, graduate in Electronics and Communications Engineering from Andhra University, Andhra Pradesh, joined Airports Authority in April 1992 as Aerodrome Officer and completed his Ab- Initio training from CATC, Prayagraj.
He has vast Experience in different fields of Air Traffic Management and has worked as an active Air Traffic Controller and on the job training instructor at Chennai, Varanasi, Kolkata, Begumpet, Shamshabad, as an Instructor at Hyderabad Training Centre with an Incident free ATC Record of 33 Yrs before joining CATC, PRAYAGRAJ in August 2025.
Apart from Ab-Initio, he has successfully completed Surveillance Control Course from CATC, and various specialized Courses like, PANS-OPS Course, PBN Procedure design Course, Instructor techniques Course, all from this prestigious Aviation Institute.
He has undergone, Helicopter Procedure design course conducted by ENAC, at Tolouse, France and also successfully completed ANSP MANAGEMENT ADVANCED MASTERS COURSE jointly conducted by AAI and ENAC.
He has been associated with, Aerodrome licensing, NOC, IAL Procedure Design and has played a vital role in Expanding and Streamlining ATM Training facilities during his tenure as Training in Charge at Shamshabad to cater to the future requirements and contributed to the Modernization program of ATS Facilities at Shamshabad.
As Train the Trainer, and Training In charge, he led and motivated group of OJTIs to build a pool of quality Controllers at Shamshabad.
He is DGCA approved Examiner, operational expert and held the position of Head of Training for English Language Training and testing at HTC, before joining CATC as General Manager (ATM)
Being an instructor since long, he believes quality training and safety are the most vital factors in upholding the organization’s image.