Perseverance at every altitude
The aviation industry has long captured Ajai Jayathilakan (Aj)’s interest, not only as a mode of transport but as a driver of economic growth and regional development. That passion ultimately led him to undertake a PhD in Aviation examining how India’s aviation sector can become more resilient and sustainable in times of change.
Originally from Kerala, India, Aj arrived at Massey University with a background in Business Administration and a master’s degree in aviation management. His doctoral research focused on the resilience, sustainability and regional development of India's aviation sector during periods of major disruption and transformation.
“The research aimed to generate practical insights for policymakers and aviation stakeholders to support resilience, operational sustainability and more inclusive regional connectivity within India's evolving aviation landscape,” he explains.
The project examined airline financial performance, the recovery of major airports during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the effectiveness of India's UDAN regional connectivity scheme, which seeks to improve air access to underserved regions.
Aj’s interest in the topic stemmed from both his professional background and a fascination with the rapid transformation of India’s aviation industry.
“I developed a particular interest in the transformation of the Indian aviation sector, especially in relation to regional connectivity, evolving airline business models and broader industry expansion,” he says.
The Indian aviation market presents unique opportunities and challenges, from strong passenger demand to complex operational and financial pressures. These dynamics inspired Aj to investigate how the industry could become more resilient and sustainable while supporting regional development.
The opportunity to undertake that research at Massey’s School of Aviation made the decision to study in New Zealand an easy one.
“I chose Massey University for its strong reputation in aviation education and research, as well as its supportive academic environment. The opportunity to pursue specialised research in aviation management under experienced supervisors made it an ideal choice for my PhD journey.”
Throughout his studies, Aj found the School of Aviation to be both collaborative and encouraging, providing a strong foundation for his academic development.
Like many doctoral candidates, the journey was not without its challenges.
“My PhD journey has been a long and meaningful experience with a lot of learning along the way. In the beginning, it felt quite overwhelming as I was trying to understand how everything fits together and what direction the research should take.”
As an international student without full university funding, balancing research with financial responsibilities, part-time work and family commitments required careful planning and determination. Collecting reliable industry data also proved challenging, involving extensive engagement with aviation organisations and stakeholders across different locations and time zones.
The publication process brought another important lesson.
“Over time, I learned to engage constructively with reviewer feedback, improve the clarity of my work and develop resilience in academic publishing,” he says.
Those efforts paid off. One of the most memorable moments of his doctorate came when he received news that one of his research papers had been accepted for publication in a leading aviation journal.
“It was especially satisfying because it reflected a long process of effort, revision and persistence,” he says.
Today, two of the three studies that formed his PhD have been published in respected aviation journals, with the third in the final stages of submission.
Throughout the journey, Aj was supported by both family and colleagues. He credits his wife Priyanka, daughter Shanaya, father and brother for providing constant encouragement and motivation.
“Their support helped me stay focused and balanced throughout the journey,” he says.
He is also grateful for the guidance he received from his supervisors and the wider School of Aviation community, including faculty and professional staff who helped create a positive and supportive research environment.
As he reflects on graduation day, Aj describes the moment as one of pride, relief and gratitude.
“It marks the end of a long journey filled with challenges and growth, and it is satisfying to see all the effort finally come together,” he says.
Completing a PhD has been more than an academic achievement. Personally, it represents years of commitment, sacrifice and resilience. Professionally, it has strengthened his research, analytical and critical-thinking skills while deepening his contribution to aviation management and higher education.
Looking ahead, Aj plans to continue building his academic and industry engagement. Having recently joined Massey’s School of Aviation as a Lecturer in Aviation Management, he hopes to further contribute to research in regional aviation development, airline strategy and aviation policy.
“My focus is on contributing to both academic knowledge and industry practice in ways that support the continued growth and improvement of the aviation sector,” he says.
For future PhD students, his advice is simple: stay focused on your purpose and trust the process.
“A PhD is a long and challenging journey, and there will be moments of uncertainty and setbacks, but perseverance and consistency make a significant difference.”