AVIATION CONTINUES TO EXPAND and grow. Each year new technologies evolve to make flying more efficient, more comfortable and more convenient. At many of the world’s major airports, women oversee this continued success and innovation. Here we celebrate a few of the airport-leading women from around the world.

In 2013 Vernice Walkine became the president and CEO of Nassau Airport Development Co. in the Bahamas. Now officially called the Lynden Pindling International Airport, this hub serves as the biggest arrival and departure gateway in the country.

Before ascending to the level of CEO, Walkine put in time in the tourism industry. She was the first woman to serve as the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism’s director general of tourism. Since taking over, Walkine managed a growing staff and oversaw the airport’s final development, totaling more than $409 million.

On the other side of the Atlantic, Sonia Corrochano has been director of the Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat International Airport since 2012. Under Aena, the airport operator responsible for Spanish airport management, Corrochano has led one of the busiest airports in Spain — and the world — for almost 10 years. Corrochano earned a degree in higher aeronautical engineering which she uses to keep the airport running in tip-top shape.

Before taking on the directorship at Barcelona, Corrochano worked on construction and renovations projects at the airport. As director, she helped to implement new commercial plans for the airport and consolidate the airport’s growth. In the Mediterranean, Eleni Kaloyirou took over as CEO of Hermes Airports in Larnaka and Pafos in April 2016. Located in Cyprus, both airports handle regular international traffic.

Kaloyirou has more than 25 years of experience in aviation, spending most of that time in executive positions with Cyprus Airways, first as CFO and then deputy CEO. Kaloyirou now puts her experience to good use. In 2019 the airports facilitated travel for 11.3 million passengers, signifying a 60 percent increase since 2016. Under Kaloyirou the airports have undertaken significant sustainability initiatives, including the reduction of carbon emissions and improved energy management. Each sustainability goal is outlined in the organization’s policies, making it clear improvements remain a priority for these Cypriot facilities.

Back in the United States, Rochelle Cameron makes waves on the East Coast as the CEO of Philadelphia International Airport. Prior to her appointment as CEO in January 2016, Cameron spent years with the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority and then joined the Philadelphia leadership team as deputy director of aviation, finance and administration in 2011.

Recently, The Philadelphia Business Journal named Cameron the Most Admired CEO. Cameron oversees planning, development and activities for the airport, which brings in more than $16 billion annually and is responsible for supporting more than 100,000 jobs. Throughout her tenure, Cameron made improving facilities and the passenger experience her top priorities.