Vipul Misra has been appointed Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SriLankan Airlines, effective September 9, 2026. Misra, who previously served as the airline’s Head of Engineering and Accountable Manager, will take on the acting CEO responsibility while continuing to lead its engineering division.
Misra brings more than two decades of experience in aircraft engineering and aviation leadership to the role. His career has included senior responsibilities across several major Indian airlines, including Air India, SpiceJet, Vistara, IndiGo, Kingfisher Airlines and Air Deccan. His experience covers aircraft engineering, technical operations, fleet management and engineering management across different types of commercial carriers.
Misra joined SriLankan Airlines in 2024 as Head of Engineering. The airline’s annual report identifies him as having responsibility for engineering, while noting his experience across a range of commercial airlines. Before joining SriLankan Airlines, he held roles involving aircraft maintenance, technical management and engineering operations at multiple airlines.
During his career, Misra has worked across legacy carriers, full-service airlines, low-cost carriers and airline start-ups. His responsibilities have included working as a licensed engineer certifying aircraft, as well as holding senior management positions in technical and engineering functions. This experience has given him exposure to aircraft maintenance, fleet operations and technical management across different airline environments.
SriLankan Airlines’ annual report for 2024/25 also lists Misra as Head of Engineering and notes that he joined the airline in 2024. The report states that his experience spans Air India, SpiceJet, Vistara, IndiGo, Air Deccan and Kingfisher Airlines, giving him experience across different commercial aviation models.
Misra holds a master’s degree in Aerospace Law, along with postgraduate qualifications in Business Administration, and an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer’s License. His academic and professional background has been centred on aircraft engineering, technical management and aviation operations.
As Acting CEO, Misra is expected to provide technical and operational leadership to SriLankan Airlines during the interim period. Reports on the appointment said his experience across legacy, full-service and low-cost carriers would support the airline as it works to improve performance and long-term sustainability.
The appointment comes at an important stage for SriLankan Airlines as the national carrier works on improving its performance and strengthening its long-term sustainability. Misra’s elevation brings an engineering and technical operations background into the airline’s top executive role, while he continues his existing responsibility for the engineering function.
With more than two decades of aviation experience and a career spanning several major airlines, Misra will now take on the Acting CEO role at SriLankan Airlines while continuing to oversee its engineering division. His appointment, effective September 9, marks a new phase in his leadership journey with the national carrier, which he joined in 2024.
 of SriLankan Airlines, effective September 9, 2026. Misra, who previously..){kind=link}