Inside Airline Leadership: What It Takes to Succeed
Leading an airline is no small feat—it requires a unique blend of industry know-how, business acumen, and personal resilience. A 2019 study by Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives revealed that 72% of airline CEOs and presidents are insiders, proving that long-term dedication and deep industry knowledge often pave the way to the top. But what exactly does it take to lead an airline?
A Journey from the Ground Up
For many airline leaders, the path to the C-suite starts from within. Consider Mitsuko Tottori, President of Japan Airlines (JAL), who began her career as a flight attendant in 1985. Nearly 40 years later, she broke the glass ceiling by becoming JAL’s first female president in 2024. Her story is a testament to the power of loyalty and perseverance in an industry where experience truly matters.
Similarly, Air France’s CEO Anne Rigail started her journey in customer service at Paris-Orly Airport in 1996. Over the years, she worked her way up to become the Executive Vice President for Customer Service before taking the helm as CEO in 2018. These examples underline that working your way up—from frontline roles to executive leadership—offers a deep understanding of an airline’s operations and customer expectations.
Education and the Value of a Business Mindset
While many successful leaders like Richard Branson or Mark Zuckerberg have famously taken unconventional paths, most airline executives have a strong educational background. Research from Preply in July 2024 indicates that 34.6% of CEOs hold a master’s or doctorate degree, and 22.3% possess an MBA. For instance, Xander Lao, President and Chief Commercial Officer at Cebu Pacific, holds a B.S. in Legal Management from Ateneo de Manila University and an MBA with a major in Finance from the Asian Institute of Management. However, Lao believes that while specialized courses are essential for technical roles like engineering or piloting, a general management or business course can provide the necessary foundation for leadership.
Lao explains, “Your course can give you some advantages, but it does not necessarily determine the rest of your career.” Success in airline leadership, he contends, hinges on solid business sense, empathy, and the ability to master oneself—qualities that often transcend formal education.
The Role of Passion and Purpose
Passion plays a pivotal role in sustaining long-term success. A 2023 study by the Business Research Unit at the University of Lisbon found that a strong passion for one’s work is critical for daily motivation and overall job satisfaction. For Lao, the drive to see both the business and its people grow is what fuels his commitment to Cebu Pacific. This passion is not only about personal ambition—it also translates into tangible benefits for the airline’s customers and the communities they serve. For example, Lao recalls how Cebu Pacific’s initial service to Siargao, once a modest regional route, has now contributed to transforming the island into the Philippines’ surfing capital.
Creating a Collaborative Culture
Another key ingredient for successful airline leadership is fostering an open, egalitarian work environment. At Cebu Pacific, even top executives, including Lao, work in a culture where everyone is addressed by their first names, and open spaces replace closed-off offices. This transparency encourages dialogue, innovation, and a sense of shared purpose among all employees.
Leading an airline is about more than just possessing a prestigious degree or technical expertise. It’s about growing within the industry, adapting to its challenges, and nurturing both business success and employee development. With a combination of insider experience, a robust business mindset, and genuine passion, airline leaders like Mitsuko Tottori, Anne Rigail, and Xander Lao demonstrate that the journey to the top is as dynamic as it is rewarding.
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