About this role
Job Title Regional Air Fleet & Network Manager (Operations) Function Operations Reports To Regional Senior Manager – Air Network (Operations) Location Regional HQ (multi-state coverage) Travel Required 25% þ 50% ☐ 75% ☐
About DHL Blue Dart Express India: Blue Dart Express Limited, a listed company, is a leader in courier, integrated air express package distribution, and eCommerce in South Asia, offering a wide range of logistics solutions. Founded in 1983, it is recognised for reliable, time-bound, and secure delivery services across 55,000+ locations in India as well as internationally. Its competencies span across evaluation and contracting, planning and transition, delivery and execution, and specific service capabilities. We pride ourselves on innovation, digitalization, service excellence, and creating long-term partnerships with our clients, enabling businesses to thrive in the fast-paced logistics environment and ever-evolving supply-chains. It wholly-owns India’s only scheduled air cargo airline, Blue Dart Aviation Limited, since May 1994, and the Concorde Air Logistics Limited, a transport, storage, and communications business, since May 2004. Blue Dart Express Limited is a part of the DHL Group's DHL eCommerce division, leveraging this global logistics leader’s network across 220 countries and territories to provide comprehensive express and logistics solutions to our clients. Our robust network and unmatched infrastructure have positioned the Blue Dart brand as a key India-grown logistics player with an unmatched and phenomenal global outreach rooted in the DHL brand of its majority shareholder. We are proud to be consistently ranked among India’s Top 100 Great Places to Work, combining it with DHL Group’s Top Employer certification. Being an Employer of Choice is not just a goal; it’s a fundamental part of who we are, committed to creating a workplace where people are valued, empowered, and wear the sobriquet “Blue Darter” with honour. If you are looking to join a purpose-led, people-first, company that shapes India’s supply-chains with integrity and safety, Blue Dart is where you belong. Blue Dart offers competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, access to cross-functional, succession planning and global career paths, and strong culture of recognition. Position Overview:
The Regional Air Fleet & Network Manager is accountable for the operational execution and performance of the regional Air Network by ensuring seamless fleet connectivity, shipment movement, and network synchronization across multiple Air Hubs and airport locations. Owns regional fleet planning and operational execution by ensuring timely availability of vehicles for airport connections, First Mile to Middle Mile movement, Middle Mile to Last Mile connectivity, route optimization, vehicle utilization, and adherence to operational cut-offs. Leads Air Hub operations across the region and ensures timely fleet deployment, dynamic route planning, and operational adjustments in line with changes to flight schedules, business volumes, and network priorities. Acts as the regional owner for Air Fleet Operations, ensuring optimal coordination between Air Hubs, Surface Operations, CPU Operations, Last Mile Operations, and Aviation teams to achieve superior service performance, On-Time Delivery (OTD), On-Time Arrival (OTA), and cost-efficient operations. This role operates as a regional execution and governance function, working closely with Aviation, Surface Operations, CPU Operations, Last Mile Operations, Engineering, Commercial, Finance, and Network Planning teams to ensure reliable, scalable, and synchronized air logistics operations. Job Purpose:
To optimize regional Air Fleet Operations by ensuring timely fleet availability, efficient route planning, seamless hub connectivity, vehicle utilization, and synchronization with flight schedules, enabling uninterrupted movement of shipments between First Mile, Middle Mile, and Last Mile while achieving operational excellence, service quality, OTD, OTA, and cost efficiency. Key Roles & Responsibilities:
Leadership • Lead and manage Air Hub Managers and Fleet Coordinators across the region, ensuring alignment to operational performance, service quality, fleet utilization, and customer commitments. • Build operational capability and standardized fleet planning practices across regional Air Operations. • Ensure timely execution of regional fleet movement plans in alignment with operational cut-offs and network priorities. • Drive operational discipline, governance, and continuous improvement across regional Air Fleet Operations.
Air Fleet Operations • Own and govern regional fleet planning for airport connectivity, ensuring timely vehicle availability for all inbound and outbound flight movements. • Ensure uninterrupted shipment connectivity between First Mile, Middle Mile, and Last Mile operations through effective fleet deployment. • Plan fleet movements based on shipment volumes, operational cut-offs, airport schedules, and business priorities. • Optimize fleet utilization by minimizing idle time, empty runs, and operational delays. • Ensure timely positioning of vehicles at Air Hubs for inbound and outbound flight connections. • Drive efficient fleet allocation across Air Hubs based on daily operational requirements. • Monitor fleet availability and proactively resolve shortages through dynamic resource planning.
Network Synchronization & Connectivity • Ensure synchronization between Air Hub operations, Surface Operations, CPU Operations, and Last Mile Operations. • Drive timely shipment connectivity across the regional network by ensuring adherence to all operational cut-offs. • Monitor connection performance between Air Hubs and downstream facilities. • Ensure operational readiness during peak periods, flight schedule changes, and network disruptions. • Coordinate with Aviation teams to realign fleet deployment whenever flight timings are revised. • Drive contingency planning to minimize operational impact arising from flight delays, cancellations, or capacity constraints.
Route Planning & Optimization • Optimize regional fleet routes to improve transit time, vehicle utilization, and operating efficiency. • Review daily movement plans and implement route changes based on operational requirements. • Identify opportunities to reduce transportation cost while maintaining service commitments. • Improve route productivity through continuous review of fleet deployment and operational performance. Operational Excellence • Drive adherence to operational cut-offs across all Air Hubs. • Improve OTD and OTA through proactive operational planning and execution. • Monitor turnaround time, loading efficiency, dispatch adherence, and fleet readiness. • Standardize operating procedures across Air Fleet Operations. • Identify operational bottlenecks and implement corrective actions.
Cost Optimization & Productivity • Improve fleet productivity through better vehicle utilization and route optimization. • Reduce empty mileage and idle fleet. • Optimize transportation cost without impacting customer service. • Improve resource utilization across Air Operations. • Sourcing and negotiation of large and medium service partners
Stakeholder & Governance • Collaborate with Aviation, Surface Operations, CPU Operations, Last Mile Operations, Engineering, Commercial, Finance, and Network Planning teams. • Ensure alignment between regional fleet execution and national Air Network strategy. • Act as the regional SME for Air Fleet Operations and operational connectivity.
Qualifications & Experience:
• Education: Bachelor's degree (Engineering / Operations / Supply Chain / Logistics preferred); MBA / PG desirable. • Experience: 5–8 years of experience in logistics operations with strong exposure to Air Operations, Surface Transportation, Fleet Management, Hub Operations, and Network Coordination. • Proven experience in managing multi-location operations and leading regional transportation or fleet operations teams. • Strong understanding of air logistics connectivity, operational cut-offs, fleet deployment, route optimization, and hub-to-hub transportation planning. • Experience in coordinating cross-functional operations across Air Hubs, Surface Network, CPU Operations, and Last Mile Operations to ensure seamless shipment movement. • Hands-on experience in fleet planning, resource allocation, transportation scheduling, and operational contingency management during peak operations and network disruptions. • Exposure to transportation cost optimization, capacity utilization, operational analytics, and continuous improvement initiatives. • Preferred Industries: Express Logistics, Air Cargo, Aviation Logistics, 3PL, Transportation, eCommerce Logistics, Supply Chain Operations.
Skills & Capabilities:
Technical Competencies:
• Air Fleet Operations & Transportation Management • Fleet Planning & Vehicle Deployment • Route Optimization & Network Synchronization • Hub Connectivity & Transportation Coordination • Operational Cut-off & Connection Management • Resource Planning & Capacity Utilization • OTD & OTA Performance Management • Transportation Cost & Productivity Management • Process Re-engineering & Continuous Improvement · Data analysis and data lead governance
Behavioural Competencies:
• Strategic & Operational Thinking • Leadership & Team Development • Decision Making & Problem Solving • Stakeholder Management & Collaboration • Execution Excellence • Analytical & Data Orientation • Adaptability & Agility • Continuous Improvement Mindset
Key Performance Indicators: Sr. No. Key Result Area Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) 1 Fleet Availability Vehicle Availability for Flight Connections 2 OTD Performance On-Time Delivery % 3 OTA Performance On-Time Arrival % 4 Operational Cut-offs % Adherence to Operational Cut-offs 5 Fleet Utilization Vehicle Utilization %, Empty KM Reduction 6 Route Optimization Route Productivity, Transit Time Improvement 7 Hub Connectivity Connection Success Rate (FM→MM→LM) 8 Resource Planning Fleet Readiness & Resource Availability 9 Cost Efficiency Cost per Shipment, Fleet Productivity 10 Network Reliability Missed Connections, Operational Delays 11 Continuous Improvement CI Projects & Benefits Realized 12 Safety & Compliance Fleet Safety & Audit Compliance Why join DHL Blue Dart? When you join us, you’re not just taking a job—you’re becoming part of a purpose-led movement that’s reshaping the future of logistics across India and the world. At Blue Dart, we don’t just deliver parcels—we deliver excellence, innovation, and opportunity every day. Here’s what makes us stand out: • Great Place to Work® Certified—a testament to our people-first culture, inclusive environment, and commitment to your growth and well-being. • Competitive pay and performance-linked rewards that truly recognize your impact. • Structured learning, global exposure, and on-the-job coaching to help you grow faster than ever. • Best-in-class benefits—from comprehensive medical cover (including optional parental care) to financial wellness and generous time off. • A culture that celebrates diversity, innovation, and bold thinking—where your voice is heard and your contributions matter. • Global career paths across the DHL Group, opening doors to opportunities in 220+ countries and territories. • The pride of working with India’s most awarded logistics brand, trusted by millions and driven by purpose. This is your chance to do meaningful work, build a career without borders, and thrive in a company that’s not just a logistics leader—but a Great Place to Work. Come grow with us. Disclaimer: At Blue Dart Express Limited, all recruitment is conducted through a fair, transparent, and merit-based process aligned with our commitments to Human Rights and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB). Blue Dart does not request or accept any fees, deposits, or payments from candidates at any stage of the recruitment or onboarding process. Any such request is fraudulent and unauthorized. Blue Dart shall not be responsible for any loss arising from such fraudulent activity. For verification, candidates may write to [email protected]