As Shailesh Deshpande drives down to the Quikjet Bengaluru head office on a December-end morning, as he does every day when he is on the day shift, his primary concern is the weather. The pleasant climate in Bengaluru is a stark contrast to Delhi’s foggy, cold, and rainy conditions—a pilot’s challenge.
Deshpande and his senior colleague, Cdr Nirmal Jose Abraham( Retd), from Quikjet’s Integrated Operations Control Centre (IOCC) in Bengaluru, know the fog drill like the back of their hands. These two professionals lead a small yet indispensable team, ensuring that every smooth takeoff and landing of Quikjets planes is backed by the heartbeat of IOCC operations.
Fog is not the worst-case scenario for an airline, but it is treated with as much “respect” as any critical situation. Quikjet’s IOCC is well-versed in handling such challenges—that is how it “wakes up” every morning. Their role is not just about troubleshooting but also ensuring the airline is prepared every day. It’s a complex symphony involving maintenance, engineering, crew scheduling, customer service, weather monitoring, and security coordination.
Cdr Abraham describes his nine-member IOCC as the “nerve center of flight operations, ensuring that every flight adheres to safety, efficiency, and on-time performance standards.” This team of highly skilled professionals brings together a century of combined experience. “The IOCC’s seamless collaboration with internal departments and external stakeholders plays a pivotal role in managing daily operational complexities,” says Cdr Abraham. “The team ensures that Quikjet’s reputation as a reliable cargo airline is upheld, even in the face of unpredictable challenges.” The IOCC operates 24/7, overseeing flight planning, monitoring, and managing disruptions and emergencies.
The crucial role of the IOCC in an airline’s performance can be illustrated by a decision from the CEO of an international airline based in India. Frustrated with poor On-Time Performance (OTP), he mandated that the carrier’s IOCC report directly to him. “With my authority, the IOCC will be recommending amendments to operational procedures and will regularly update me on the status of implementation,” the CEO declared.
