Ezhil Bharathi S A : Pioneering Innovation & Leadership In Aerospace Manufacturing
Ezhil Bharathi S A
Director (Operations)
Making such significant contributions is Ezhil Bharathi S A, Director of Operations at Aerospace Engineers Private Limited (AEPL). A second-generation entrepreneur, Ezhil’s journey in aerospace manufacturing is a powerful story of passion and perseverance. What started as an engineering internship has evolved into a leadership role where she now drives AEPL’s operations, ensuring the company remains a leader in precision engineering and innovation.
AEPL has built strong alliances with aerospace leaders like RollsRoyce, Boeing, and Airbus, reinforcing India’s standing in global aviation while playing a key role in national defense. The company’s commitment to innovation has led to the development of cutting-edge solutions that tackle some of the most complex challenges in aerospace manufacturing, pushing the boundaries of engineering excellence.
For Ezhil, leadership isn’t just about technology, it’s about people. She shares, “What motivates me daily is the thrill of transforming complex challenges into solutions that push aerospace innovation forward.
Beyond this, my true calling lies in leading and inspiring people, empowering teams and championing women in engineering and manufacturing”. She believes in fostering a culture of collaboration, mentorship, and inclusion, inspiring the next generation, especially women, to take flight in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
With an unwavering commitment to excellence, resilience, and innovation, Ezhil Bharathi S A continues to shape the future of aerospace engineering in India and beyond. Let’s hear more from her in this exclusive one-on-one conversation.
Can you share your approach to leadership? What principles or methodo-logies guide you as a leader?
I view my role as one where I clear the runway to allow my team to take off and achieve new heights. My leadership style is built on trust, empathy, and empowerment. Through my experience working with teams in both India and the UK, I’ve come to understand that effective leadership requires adaptability, active listening, and ensuring that every voice is valued. I believe in open, honest communication, which fosters a culture of ownership and recognition. By showing compassion for my team and their families, I strengthen our bond and create a cohesive unit focused on a common goal.
What strategies have you adopted to measure operational efficiency in an aerospace manufacturing environment?
I believe operational efficiency hinges on precision, consistency, and quick problem-solving. At AEPL, I ensure On-Time, In-Full (OTIF) delivery by combining advanced technology with a highly skilled work force. A detailed skill matrix helps us assign the right expertise to every task, while lean management principles streamline our processes and reduce waste. When challenges arise, I take a 'war room' approach, bringing key stakeholders together to find immediate solutions and maintain smooth operations. This culture of ownership and continuous improvement is essential for us to consistently deliver high-quality aerospace components on time, every time.
How do you ensure adherence to strict regulatory compliance standards in the production process?
I ensure compliance is ingrained in every aspect of our production process. My experience with global standards like AS9100, Rolls-Royce SABRe, and NADCAP has helped me adopt a proactive approach to quality, making sure it's integrated into the process from the start, not just checked at the end. We perform regular audits, validate processes in real-time, and conduct thorough supplier evaluations to maintain precision and consistency. Training is also crucial to upholding compliance, fostering a culture of ownership, and ensuring we deliver safe, reliable aerospace solutions.
Could you reflect on some of the biggest challenges you’ve encountered in your journey so far? How did you overcome them, and what lessons did you take away from them?
One of the most difficult challenges I faced was during
I view my role as one where I clear the runway to allow my team to take off and achieve new heights. My leadership style is built on trust, empathy, and empowerment. Through my experience working with teams in both India and the UK, I’ve come to understand that effective leadership requires adaptability, active listening, and ensuring that every voice is valued. I believe in open, honest communication, which fosters a culture of ownership and recognition. By showing compassion for my team and their families, I strengthen our bond and create a cohesive unit focused on a common goal.
While challenges like these are demanding, they are also incredibly rewarding when we begin to see tangible results
What strategies have you adopted to measure operational efficiency in an aerospace manufacturing environment?
I believe operational efficiency hinges on precision, consistency, and quick problem-solving. At AEPL, I ensure On-Time, In-Full (OTIF) delivery by combining advanced technology with a highly skilled work force. A detailed skill matrix helps us assign the right expertise to every task, while lean management principles streamline our processes and reduce waste. When challenges arise, I take a 'war room' approach, bringing key stakeholders together to find immediate solutions and maintain smooth operations. This culture of ownership and continuous improvement is essential for us to consistently deliver high-quality aerospace components on time, every time.
How do you ensure adherence to strict regulatory compliance standards in the production process?
I ensure compliance is ingrained in every aspect of our production process. My experience with global standards like AS9100, Rolls-Royce SABRe, and NADCAP has helped me adopt a proactive approach to quality, making sure it's integrated into the process from the start, not just checked at the end. We perform regular audits, validate processes in real-time, and conduct thorough supplier evaluations to maintain precision and consistency. Training is also crucial to upholding compliance, fostering a culture of ownership, and ensuring we deliver safe, reliable aerospace solutions.
Could you reflect on some of the biggest challenges you’ve encountered in your journey so far? How did you overcome them, and what lessons did you take away from them?
One of the most difficult challenges I faced was during
the closure of SKF’s UK site that I was working for. It wasn’t just an operational hurdle, it was a deeply human one. Balancing the need for seamless customer support while guiding teams through workforce transitions required a great deal of empathy, strategic thinking, and clear communication. Another significant moment in my journey was leading cross-border compliance and certification for a new aerospace project. These experiences reinforced my belief that empathy, strong communication, and a people-first approach are crucial for overcoming challenges and driving success.
Right now, I’m leading the setup of AEPL’s new Unit 2 facility and managing the relocation of our third unit. This project demands flawless coordination between multiple stakeholders, all while ensuring the team stays emotionally engaged and aligned. Just like in past challenges, I know that leading with empathy, fostering transparency, and keeping the bigger picture in focus are key to maintaining unity toward a shared goal. While challenges like these are demanding, they are also incredibly rewarding when we begin to see tangible results. They inspire a sense of accomplishment and motivate us to keep pushing forward, driving growth, innovation, and continuous learning.
What is the future destination you're working towards?
The future is all about growth, innovation, and creating a lasting impact. With a $25 million investment, AEPL’s expanded Shoolagiri facility is set to become a cutting-edge aerospace manufacturing hub. We’re focused on scaling our capabilities and integrating advanced solutions to meet the ever-evolving needs of our customers. Additionally, we are exploring joint ventures in the U.S. to enhance our technological expertise and broaden our global reach. On a personal level, I remain deeply committed to driving diversity and innovation in aerospace leadership, encouraging more women to pursue careers in engineering and manufacturing. Through skill development initiatives and offering free courses, we’re helping nurture the next generation of manufacturing talent and building a diverse, highly skilled workforce for the future.
Ezhil Bharathi S A, Director (Operations), Aerospace Engineers
Ezhil is a dynamic and an experienced aerospace leader with over 10 years in driving quality and operational excellence. Holding a B.Tech and MBA, she has evolved from intern to Director of Operations at AEPL. Ezhil excels in leading teams, managing cross-border operations, and fostering innovation, with a strong focus on continuous growth and empowerment.
Right now, I’m leading the setup of AEPL’s new Unit 2 facility and managing the relocation of our third unit. This project demands flawless coordination between multiple stakeholders, all while ensuring the team stays emotionally engaged and aligned. Just like in past challenges, I know that leading with empathy, fostering transparency, and keeping the bigger picture in focus are key to maintaining unity toward a shared goal. While challenges like these are demanding, they are also incredibly rewarding when we begin to see tangible results. They inspire a sense of accomplishment and motivate us to keep pushing forward, driving growth, innovation, and continuous learning.
What is the future destination you're working towards?
The future is all about growth, innovation, and creating a lasting impact. With a $25 million investment, AEPL’s expanded Shoolagiri facility is set to become a cutting-edge aerospace manufacturing hub. We’re focused on scaling our capabilities and integrating advanced solutions to meet the ever-evolving needs of our customers. Additionally, we are exploring joint ventures in the U.S. to enhance our technological expertise and broaden our global reach. On a personal level, I remain deeply committed to driving diversity and innovation in aerospace leadership, encouraging more women to pursue careers in engineering and manufacturing. Through skill development initiatives and offering free courses, we’re helping nurture the next generation of manufacturing talent and building a diverse, highly skilled workforce for the future.
Ezhil Bharathi S A, Director (Operations), Aerospace Engineers
Ezhil is a dynamic and an experienced aerospace leader with over 10 years in driving quality and operational excellence. Holding a B.Tech and MBA, she has evolved from intern to Director of Operations at AEPL. Ezhil excels in leading teams, managing cross-border operations, and fostering innovation, with a strong focus on continuous growth and empowerment.