Among the newer ones are Annette Mann, who became CEO of Austrian Airlines in March 2022; Marjan Rintel, who began as CEO of KLM last July; and Dorothea von Boxberg, appointed CEO of Brussels Airlines this spring.

As of early 2026, the number of women leading major airlines is growing, though they still represent a small percentage of global aviation leadership. Joanna Geraghty made history in 2024 as the first female CEO of a major US carrier, JetBlue Airways. She joins an elite group of global female CEOs including Vanessa Hudson at Qantas, Jayne Hrdlicka (who recently led Virgin Australia), Anne Rigail at Air France, and Marjan Rintel at KLM. Additionally, Güliz Öztürk continues to lead the successful low-cost carrier Pegasus Airlines. These leaders are often noted for their focus on "bringing humanity" back to the industry and prioritizing diversity and sustainability. The presence of these women at the helm of legacy and disruptor carriers alike signals a significant, if gradual, shift in the traditionally male-dominated executive suites of the aerospace world.