Meet Shital

What’s one thing that makes your job exciting or special?

I am the link between quality and production for the C295 programme, ensuring an efficient workflow and guaranteeing the quality delivery, all while taking immense pride in contributing to the pioneering efforts of the “Make in India” initiative.

Is there something that surprised you about working for Airbus?

One of the most positive surprises for me has been the incredible cultural fusion. It is fantastic to see experts from various Airbus sites around the world working hand-in-hand with our local teams to share knowledge. We are constantly learning from each other, blending different approaches to create a new, unified operational culture. This level of shared knowledge and mutual respect is truly inspiring to be a part of. 

Explain what you do in simple terms

My role is to ensure that every aircraft we build meets the highest standards. When a component doesn't fit perfectly or a quality check fails, I lead the investigation through a process we call Root Cause Corrective Action. I analyse the situation to identify exactly why the problem occurred and then implement a solution to ensure it never happens again.

How has Airbus supported your career growth or personal development?

Airbus has really fast-tracked my development by trusting me with leadership roles early on, even though I was new to the aerospace industry. With my team's support and training I became a supplier auditor, which allowed me to expand my impact from the shop floor to managing quality across our entire supply chain.

Is there a specific project or moment you’re particularly proud of? Why?

The most unforgettable experience in my career at Airbus has been the completion of the Main Component Assemblies for the first C295 aircraft assembled in India. It wasn't just a technical milestone, it was the physical proof that the Make in India initiative is successfully transforming the country's aerospace capabilities. It was an emotional validation of our team's dedication and the global trust placed in us by Airbus.

What would you say to someone who doesn’t think they “fit” in aerospace?

I would say that aerospace needs your unique perspective. In fact, I used to be one of those people. As a mechanical engineer who spent 10 years working in different industries, I once thought I didn't "fit" here. I believed aerospace was a closed-off world for a specific kind of professional - but I was completely wrong. This industry is no longer just about aerodynamics and traditional engineering, it is about digitalisation, sustainability and global collaboration. These modern challenges require diverse thinkers from backgrounds in software, data science, and indeed, mechanical engineers with a different set of experiences.

How does Airbus support you in maintaining work-life balance?

Airbus supports my work-life balance primarily through flexible working arrangements and a strong culture of trust. As an expecting mother and a MBA pursuant in just the last 6 months I have the privilege of working for a company and a team that is willing to facilitate the best possible working conditions for me by giving me the chance to make time for the other aspects of my life, and I truly believe that would not have been the case if my team wasn't willing to share my burden and trust me to handle things at my own pace. This approach allows me to manage the demanding pace of the C295 program effectively while providing the flexibility to pursue my personal goals, ensuring I remain recharged, focused, and highly productive in my role.

Do you have a favourite quote or mantra that inspires you in your work?

Yes, I do. My favourite quote, that inspires me daily, is: 

A dream fades the moment you give up on it, never turning into reality

I often think of my younger self, who used to watch fighter jets flying over the playground every day in my hometown Nashik and dreamt of working on aeroplanes. That child is immensely proud to see me here today.