Sometimes, we find ourselves in sectors we never actively chose, yet they become integral to our journey. In this article, Shihab Kutty shares his experience as an accomplished Human Resource Supervisor in the aviation industry.
Join us as we explore his insights and the unexpected ways we can thrive in roles that may not have been our original intention.
1. What made you choose to pursue a career in the Aviation industry?
I didn't specifically aim to join the aviation industry; I have always focused on HR because I genuinely enjoy working with people and creating an environment where they can thrive. When an opportunity arose with Abu Dhabi Aviation, I took it. When I first joined ADA in 2008, the company was performing well in business, but the HR structure and culture were not fully developed. It took us quite some time to build and establish a strong HR culture.
2. What path did you take to embark on an Aviation career?
I don’t have a personal aviation career; aviation wasn’t a deliberate choice but rather a result of my HR career. I always had a passion for HR, and when the opportunity came to work at Abu Dhabi Aviation in 2008, I took it.
3. Give us an overview of what you did on an average day in your role.
At the start of my career at ADA, my role was more of an all-rounder, juggling various tasks. It took us years to establish a proper structure and delegate responsibilities to the appropriate department heads. Today, ADA’s HR department is well-structured, and if I assess my role now, it's much more relaxed compared to those early days.
These days, my focus is primarily on designing compensation packages that are aligned with industry standards and company goals. I act as the main point of contact for employee rewards, benefits, and policy issues, handling grievances related to compensation, policies, or working conditions with a focus on fairness and transparency. I manage a team of HR professionals, providing guidance and oversight on tasks such as onboarding, employee relations, and HR reporting. I ensure the team is well-equipped to handle employee concerns and enforce policies while also mentoring them for professional growth. I delegate tasks, review work, and maintain accuracy in payroll, benefits administration, and policy implementation.
4. What did you most love about your job/aviation?
Implementing a proper structure, providing benefits, and supporting employees throughout their tenure in the organization has been deeply rewarding. Knowing that my work directly impacted how valued and supported employees felt is truly fulfilling. I’ve enjoyed balancing the strategic aspects of long-term HR planning with day-to-day problem-solving, crafting solutions for high-level challenges like talent retention while also addressing individual employee concerns. Mentoring team members, helping them grow into their future roles, and ensuring they deliver excellent service to the organization and its assets makes me feel proud.
5. What are your goals for the future?
I aim to refine and enhance the value of my current role while pursuing a higher position in a specialized niche area. I plan to further develop my skills in areas such as global rewards, talent development, or organizational transformation, where my experience in rewards and policy can drive meaningful change.
