While the number of LGBTQIA+ leaders in the airline industry today isn’t necessarily plentiful, those who are out there make a big impression in the world of aviation. After leaving Monarch Airlines Group when the company ceased operations in 2017, Andrew Swaffield has led the Virgin Group Loyalty Co. as chief executive officer since 2019 — one of the top LGBTQIA+ leaders in the aviation industry today. Having led Airmiles and creating Avios, Swaffield spoke at The ABTA Air Travel Convention last year, signifying his continued contributions to the flying community. Swaffield is perhaps one of the most notable and prolific LGBTQIA+ leaders working in the airline industry.
The National Gay Pilots Association plays a key role in advocating for the employment of LGBTQIA+ people in the airline industry. Leaders such as Capt. M’Lis Ward — the first black woman and lesbian to fly for United Airlines — have made strides for the LGBTQIA+ community in aviation. Speaking to the NGPA last year, Capt. Ward manifested for herself: “I’d like to leave a legacy by being a part of something that’s bigger than myself. Maybe mentor someone or inspire someone to go out and do something bigger and better than I could ever have dreamed of.”
Elsewhere, Sadiq Gilliani made strides as senior vice president with Emirates Group and senior vice president of Operational Research and Effectiveness at Lufthansa Group. He’s been included in the Financial Times Top 100 OUTstanding Leaders list. Gilliani is a senior advisor for travel at Attestor Capital, where he serves as chairman of the advisory board for Condor, the German leisure airline, and sits on the board of the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council for Sustainable Tourism.
Eric Fanning is the president and CEO of the Aerospace Industries Association in addition to serving as the first openly gay leader of a U. S. Military Service as Secretary of the Army following his appointment by President Obama. While not directly involved in the business of airlines, in his work with the aerospace industry he advocates for policies and investment that impact innovation and economic growth.
LGBTQIA+ leaders, even though few in number, make a huge impact on the aviation industry that far outweighs those just mentioned here.
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