People Spotlight: Meet Navin Nitish
Our People Spotlight series gives you an inside look at our technical experts around the world. This week, we are highlighting a leader from our aviation business who will share insight into his career journey and industry aspirations.
Navin Nitish brings a proven track record of over two decades with AECOM, most recently serving as Vice President and Aviation Market Sector Leader in the New York Metro, while also leading P3, alternative delivery and cargo projects for aviation in our global Transportation business line. In his new regional role, Navin will be instrumental in aligning our aviation strategy with emerging market opportunities and major pursuits at airports throughout the eastern U.S. and across Latin America. His leadership draws on decades of experience delivering complex aviation projects and redefining the passenger journey at some of the world’s busiest airports.
Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry.
When I first came to the U.S. from India as a 21-year-old to pursue my master’s degree in engineering, I was struck by the scale and magnitude of American infrastructure. It felt grand and inspiring. But when I began working in aviation, I quickly noticed that airports here weren’t living up to their reputations.
In the early 2000s, much of the focus for U.S. airports was on security in the post-9/11 environment, and investment in upgrading airport infrastructure and the passenger experience lagged behind. At the same time, airports around the world were setting new benchmarks for modern, customer-friendly air travel. That contrast motivated me to be part of the solution that restores U.S. airports to a level that matches their pioneering history. AECOM gave me the opportunity to partner with the best of our industry to kickstart forward-thinking change. More than two decades later, my goal remains the same: to create a strong, positive impact on modern aviation.
That contrast motivated me to be part of the solution that restores U.S. airports to a level that matches their pioneering history.
What is your favorite AECOM project that you’ve worked on and why?
JFK International Airport has always held personal meaning for me. When I first arrived in the U.S. in August 2001, a fellow traveler pointed out the Twin Towers to me through the airplane window. A month later, they were gone. That memory has stayed with me, and years later, working on JFK projects felt like my way to give back.
The redevelopment of American Airlines’ Terminal 8 at JFK stands out as a career highlight. I was involved from start to finish — pursuing the project as capture manager focused on the client, positioning AECOM during business development and ultimately delivering it as project manager.
The project required careful coordination, from new gates and concourse expansions to interior renovations, baggage handling upgrades and a new flagship lounge. I oversaw phased design and construction to minimize operational disruption, establishing clear communication between American Airlines, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, contractors and design teams. Together, we overcame complex challenges and delivered the project on time and within budget.
It was also the first terminal redevelopment to advance under the Port Authority’s $20 billion JFK vision plan, setting the tone for those that followed. When COVID-19 halted much of the industry, American Airlines chose to keep investing. Leading our team through that period was a defining professional experience.
The redevelopment of American Airlines’ Terminal 8 at JFK stands out as a career highlight. I was involved from start to finish — pursuing the project as capture manager focused on the client, positioning AECOM during business development and ultimately delivering it as project manager.
Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.
Another airport of great importance to me is Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW). I was there in 2009–2010, when the city was in the midst of a severe economic downturn. GM had declared bankruptcy, the auto industry was struggling and the airport faced a hiring freeze. During that time, AECOM was engaged as Engineer of Record for a major runway reconstruction project at DTW, funded through a federal grant that required us to design and deliver on an accelerated schedule.
In my role as client liaison, I worked on-site as an extension of the airport’s staff, keeping the project on track and ensuring timely responses to contractors and regulators. The project’s impact extended far beyond the runways, reaching the designers, engineers, builders and union workers whose livelihoods at the airport supported the broader Detroit community, including people who owned and worked in stores, restaurants and other small businesses. For me, that’s the true reward: knowing our work created lasting economic and social value while improving the experience of millions of travelers.
The project’s impact extended far beyond the runways, reaching the designers, engineers, builders and union workers whose livelihoods at the airport supported the broader Detroit community, including people who owned and worked in stores, restaurants and other small businesses.
Share a piece of career advice.
Keep your hand up when opportunities arise. Early in my career, I asked a senior leader for advice and his response was simple: “Be ready to pack your bags and go where opportunity comes.” I took that advice to heart, and it led me from Texas to Detroit, to Tampa and New York, and each move offered new challenges and growth. It wasn’t always easy, but every relocation became a career-defining experience. Most recently, it guided me to accept my new role as Aviation Strategy and Growth Lead for the U.S. East and LATAM. In this position, I’m able to continue making substantial, positive impacts on aviation projects across the region. Just as importantly, I’ll be helping clients realize their vision while shaping the future of the passenger experience.
AECOM is a company that opens doors across the globe — and if you’re willing to step through, the rewards and the relationships can be tremendous.