Salil Colge

My aviation journey began at the grassroots level, working for a ground handling agency screening baggage, offering security support for airlines, preparing baggage and cargo for loading, and loading aircraft at Mumbai Airport. I gradually moved into ground handling, airline operations and airline learning and development, before securing a senior operations role for ‘Dubai Airports’ who owns and manages the operation and development of both of Dubai's airports, Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC).  My last role gave me the opportunity to manage 24/7 operations, as well as the business continuity and crisis management for both airports. I’m proud to have earned multiple awards for performance, innovation, and crisis management throughout my career, but what truly matters to me is the opportunity to make a real impact in such a high-pressure industry. Whether managing aircraft turnarounds, handling crisis situations, or setting up the Command-and-Control Centre for the Dubai Airshow – each and every day presented a new and exciting challenge. 

Today, I’m privileged to teach and mentor the next generation of aviation professionals at UCB, one of the few universities offering both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in this field. From my experience working in the industry, I know that the modules taught on the courses at UCB are aligned with the skills students will need throughout their careers. It’s an ideal preparation for a role in the aviation business, and as such, I find that UCB students are highly employable. 

At UCB, I’m motivated by the potential of my students, and my students tell me that they enjoy the real-life examples I bring to the classroom. I love nothing more than seeing them land a role within the industry after graduation. It can be tough, but as I often say, “the only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary.”

I think that aviation is often misunderstood. Many think it’s just for pilots or cabin crew, or that it only offers careers for men or young people. In reality, the industry is vast and rewarding, and open to anyone with the enthusiasm and willingness to learn and embrace its challenges.