Menzies Aviation has announced its new Chief Operating Officer, Suresh Pillai, for its Ground Handling Operations facility at Bengaluru. The organisation also declared V. Satish Babu as Head of Ground Operations for the same entity. This is a significant development in terms of the company’s expansion within the country, considering the recent award of ground handling services at Kempegowda International Airport. They are awarded by a 15-year license for ground hadling services at Bengaluru airport. 

With over 30 years of experience in the aviation industry, Suresh has handled ground handling including monitoring airline operations, risk management, and business development. He has held leadership roles across domestic and international markets and has extensively led complex operational situations, which makes him well-suited for the position.

Meanwhile, reflecting on his previous roles, he was responsible for the ground handling service for The United Iraqi Company, Menzies Aviation Services Iraq Limited (MASIL). Appointed as a station manager and worked for four years, Suresh supervised and was directly engaged with customer airlines along with assuring effective utilisation of resource. He authorised number of personnel required for work, coordinated with involved agencies present at the airport to implement smooth operations and monitoring staff.

The noteworthy aspect is that he joined as General Manager in 2010 and significantly rose to the Chief Executive Officer position at Menzies Bobba Ground Handling Services Private Limited, within a period of nine years. Suresh has been associated with Menzies since 2010 and is exceptionally familiar with the industry’s environment.

Similarly, the newly appointed V. Satish Babu will manage all the ground operations and will be committed to ensure safety, service quality, and operational excellence across the company’s growing industrial presence.

Satish has worked in this industry for more than 30 years and has been a part of multiple commercial airline operations, cargo, and ground handling. He is capable of building high-performing teams and delivering expected results. His evident, result-driven performance and leadership approach project his current designation as an appropriate progression for Menzies. He will be administering operational effectiveness across Bengaluru.

The Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with NICDC Logistics Data Services to strengthen data-led logistics systems for the MSME sector.

NLDS operates as the data and digital arm of the National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation and functions under the guidance of the National Industrial Corridor Development and Implementation Trust. The framework supports the government’s approach to integrating technology into logistics and industrial infrastructure.

The agreement focuses on creating a digital system for data exchange between the MSME Ministry and NLDS using API-based integration. The system will allow access to real-time logistics data, which is expected to support decision-making and improve supply chain operations for MSMEs.

The collaboration is intended to provide MSMEs with logistics insights to address inefficiencies, manage costs, and improve their position in domestic and global trade. The initiative also seeks to build a data-backed ecosystem that can support operational planning and execution.

The MoU was signed by Anuja Bapat, Deputy Director General, Office of the Development Commissioner (MSME), and Arvind Devaraj, Chief Operating Officer, NLDS, in the presence of officials from both organisations.

Officials stated that integrating logistics data with MSME systems marks a step towards a technology-driven MSME framework. They added that the move supports the government’s efforts to improve ease of doing business and strengthen logistics infrastructure.

The MSME Ministry said it will continue to pursue digital transformation and collaboration initiatives aimed at improving efficiency and supporting enterprise growth.