Captain Preetham Philip is a veteran of the Indian and international aviation industry, with over four decades of experience spanning hands-on flying, airline startups, aviation policy, and executive leadership. He is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Quikjet Cargo Airlines, an all-cargo airline based in India and part of the ASL Aviation Holdings group.
Captain Philip’s aviation journey began as a pilot, accruing thousands of flight hours in India, Malaysia, the United States, and Norway, operating both helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. This extensive flying career across continents gave him a solid foundation in operational excellence and cross-cultural aviation practices.
In 2000, he led the launch of India’s first successful helicopter pilgrimage service between Katra and the Vaishno Devi shrine, transforming access to the temple and setting the stage for high-altitude commercial heli-services in India.
A pioneer of Indian civil aviation reform, Captain Philip was a founding member of Air Deccan, India’s first low-cost carrier. He was instrumental in shaping its vision of affordable aviation, helping make air travel accessible to millions across the country.
He has also held key leadership roles in Deccan Charters, Deccan Cargo & Express Logistics, and K-Mile Air in Thailand, gaining deep insight into both domestic and regional air cargo operations.
Since 2011, as CEO of Quikjet Cargo Airlines, Captain Philip has overseen the airline’s evolution into a critical player in India’s logistics ecosystem. He led the strategic partnership with Amazon Air, making Quikjet the first Indian carrier to operate dedicated freighters for the e-commerce giant. Today, Quikjet operates Boeing 737-800 freighters across India’s primary cargo corridors.
Captain Philip holds an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) and a Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Business Management. He is an alumnus of Lawrence School, Lovedale.
Recognized for his visionary leadership, operational rigour, and deep industry insight, Captain Philip continues to be a leading force in advancing India’s air cargo capabilities with a focus on time-definite, reliable, and scalable air freight solutions.