Interviewed by Adeesh Sharma & Sonali
Arora
The aviation industry operates in
one of the most dynamic and high-risk security environments. While conventional
threats continue to exist, security professionals today must also address
emerging challenges such as insider threats, cyber-attacks on critical
infrastructure, unauthorized drone activities, sophisticated concealment
techniques, and the increasing use of technology by malicious actors. Kunal
Kumar, Director Security & Centre Head, Aviation Security Training
Institute (ASTI), Government of Odisha (PPP Project between Government of
Odisha & MAK Airways Pvt. Ltd) talks about all this and more…
Q1. Please tell us
about your professional journey and your role in the current organization.
My professional journey in the
aviation security industry began in December 2012, when I joined Air
India SATS Airport Services Pvt. Ltd. (AISATS) as a Security Executive.
This was the foundation of my career, where I gained extensive practical
exposure to airport security operations, passenger and baggage screening,
aircraft security, access control, anti-sabotage measures, regulatory
compliance, and customer-centric security operations.
Through consistent performance,
dedication, and a commitment to operational excellence, I was promoted to Senior
Security Executive, and subsequently to Security Officer. During my
nearly ten-year tenure with AISATS, I had the opportunity to work in various
operational and supervisory roles, which helped me develop a deep understanding
of aviation security regulations, team leadership, crisis management, and
security operations. I resigned from AISATS in April 2022 as a Security
Officer.
In May 2022, I joined Flybig
Airlines as an Assistant Manager – Security (Delhi). Working with a
growing regional airline gave me the opportunity to contribute beyond routine
security operations. In 2023, I was entrusted with establishing the Aviation
Security Training Institute (ASTI) for Flybig in accordance with the
guidelines of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS). Successfully
setting up the institute became a significant milestone in my career and
resulted in my promotion to Senior Manager – Security.
Recognizing my contributions
towards security operations, regulatory compliance, training development, and
organizational growth, I was later promoted as Manager – Security (Pan
India), where I was responsible for overseeing aviation security functions
across multiple stations, standardizing security procedures, strengthening
compliance, and developing security manpower across the airline network.
In June 2025, I moved to Pioneer
Flying Academy Pvt. Ltd. (NSOP) as the Chief Security Officer (CSO).
My primary responsibility was to establish another BCAS-compliant Aviation
Security Training Institute (ASTI). We successfully developed the
infrastructure, operational framework, documentation, and training systems.
However, due to the pending Fire NOC, the final approval from BCAS could
not be obtained. We continue to support the organization in achieving the
remaining statutory requirements.
Soon thereafter, I was offered an
opportunity that aligned perfectly with my long-term vision of contributing to
aviation security at a larger scale. I joined MAK Airways Pvt. Ltd. as Director
Security & Centre Head for the Aviation Security Training Institute
(ASTI)- Government of Odisha being established under a Public-Private
Partnership (PPP) Project with the Government of Odisha.
In my current role, I am
responsible for establishing and leading the institute from the ground up. My
responsibilities include regulatory coordination with BCAS and the Government
of Odisha, infrastructure planning, development of Standard Operating Procedures
(SOPs), Learning Management System (LMS) implementation, instructor
development, quality assurance, compliance management, and creating a
world-class aviation security training ecosystem that meets national and
international standards.
Looking back over the last thirteen
years, my journey has evolved from being a frontline Security Executive to
leading the establishment of multiple Aviation Security Training Institutes.
Each phase of my career has reinforced my belief that effective security is
built on strong leadership, continuous learning, regulatory compliance, and the
intelligent adoption of technology.
Q2. What are the key
Security challenges you face and how do you plan to alleviate them?
The aviation industry operates in
one of the most dynamic and high-risk security environments. While conventional
threats continue to exist, security professionals today must also address
emerging challenges such as insider threats, cyber-attacks on critical
infrastructure, unauthorized drone activities, sophisticated concealment
techniques, and the increasing use of technology by malicious actors.
Another significant challenge is
maintaining a highly trained workforce capable of adapting to continuously
evolving regulations and threat scenarios. Technology alone cannot ensure
security; it must be supported by skilled personnel and robust operational
procedures.
To address these challenges, our
strategy is built around three core pillars:
-
People
– Continuous competency-based training, refresher programmes, leadership
development, and fostering a strong security culture.
-
Processes
– Periodic review of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), internal
audits, risk assessments, emergency response exercises, and strict
compliance with BCAS regulations.
-
Technology
– Adoption of AI-enabled video analytics, advanced X-ray screening
systems, biometric access control, digital Learning Management Systems,
integrated command centres, and data-driven security monitoring.
Security today is no longer just a
regulatory requirement; it is a strategic business function that must
continuously evolve to stay ahead of emerging risks.
Q3. How do you plan to
augment the Security function within your organization?
My vision is to build a proactive,
technology-enabled, and knowledge-driven security organization.
At the Aviation Security Training
Institute, our focus is on creating an ecosystem that develops highly competent
aviation security professionals. We are implementing digital Learning
Management Systems for online registration, nomination, training, assessments,
certification, and record management. We are also establishing modern smart
classrooms, computer-based training laboratories, and practical demonstration
facilities.
Beyond infrastructure, we are
working to strengthen instructor capabilities, standardize security procedures,
promote competency-based assessments, and encourage continuous professional
development. Close coordination with regulatory authorities, airlines, airport
operators, and other stakeholders is another important aspect of our strategy.
Ultimately, our objective is to
ensure that every trained security professional possesses not only technical
competence but also the confidence, professionalism, and decision-making
ability required in today's complex aviation environment.
Q4. Any new initiatives
in Security undertaken over the past year or planned to be undertaken in
future?
One of our most significant
initiatives has been the establishment of the Aviation Security Training
Institute (ASTI) under the Government of Odisha's PPP initiative with MAK
Airways Pvt. Ltd.
The institute is being developed
with modern infrastructure and digital capabilities, including smart
classrooms, computer-based training laboratories, Learning Management Systems,
practical security equipment, and standardized BCAS-compliant training modules.
Looking ahead, we plan to introduce
AI-supported training simulations, virtual reality-based security exercises,
digital competency assessments, scenario-based crisis management programmes,
and enhanced collaboration with industry experts and government agencies.
We also aim to continuously upgrade
our training methodologies to ensure that aviation security professionals
remain prepared for future security challenges.
Q5. How do you foresee
Security technologies progressing within India? What are the learnings from
global organizations?
India is rapidly emerging as one of
the world's fastest-growing aviation markets, and security technology will play
a critical role in supporting this growth.
The future of security lies in
intelligent integration rather than standalone systems. Artificial
Intelligence, Machine Learning, predictive analytics, biometric authentication,
video analytics, cloud-based security management, and integrated command-and-control
centres will significantly enhance operational efficiency and threat detection
capabilities.
Global organizations have
demonstrated that technology delivers the greatest value when combined with
well-trained professionals, standardized processes, and a strong organizational
security culture. While automation improves efficiency, human judgment, situational
awareness, and continuous training remain irreplaceable.
India has immense potential to
become a global leader in aviation security by combining advanced technologies
with robust regulatory oversight and a skilled workforce. Investments in
training, innovation, and collaboration between government and industry will be
key to building a resilient and future-ready aviation security ecosystem.