The aviation industry is experiencing a period of rapid growth and transformation. Over the next two to four years, more than 14,000 new aircraft are expected to enter global fleets, while only around 9,000 are forecast to retire. This net gain of approximately 6,000 aircraft is fuelling strategic expansion across airlines and aviation companies and with it, an urgent demand for leadership talent.
Leadership in a Sector on the Rise
As airlines scale operations and new entrants disrupt the market, experienced leadership is essential to guide this complex and high-growth environment. Executive talent is required not only to support fleet expansion and route development but also to manage regulatory complexity, sustainability mandates and digital innovation.
Key Leadership Roles in High Demand
Several senior roles are emerging as mission-critical across the sector:
- Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and Chief Commercial Officers (CCOs) to define and deliver ambitious growth strategies
- Chief Operating Officers (COOs) to ensure operational scalability and efficiency
- Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) to manage capital in the context of major aircraft investments
- Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) to strengthen market positioning and revenue generation
- Chief Technology Officers (CTOs) and Chief Digital Officers (CDOs) to lead transformation through innovation and digitalisation
- Heads of Sustainability / ESG as environmental impact becomes a key performance driver
- Safety, Security and Compliance Executives to meet increasingly complex regulatory requirements
Recruitment Challenges in a Competitive Landscape
The aviation sector is already facing a shortage of executive talent, especially those with international, digital or ESG experience. This talent gap is being widened by several factors:
- Intensifying competition for leadership talent from both established players and new market entrants as well as adjacent industries such as logistics and travel technology
- Impending retirements among current leadership increasing the urgency for proactive succession planning
Strategic Approaches to Attract and Retain Top Talent
To secure and sustain high-performing leadership teams, aviation companies are adopting a range of forward-thinking strategies:
- Employer Branding: Positioning as innovative, purpose-led and growth-oriented to attract visionary leaders
- Compensation & Incentives: Offering competitive, performance-based packages aligned with long-term strategic and sustainability goals
- Diversity & Inclusion: Expanding the leadership pipeline by prioritising inclusive hiring practices
- Executive Development: Investing in internal talent development and succession planning
- Flexible & Global Talent Models: Embracing international talent and remote or hybrid leadership structures
Emerging Trends Reshaping Leadership Priorities
Across the aviation sector, several trends are shaping the profile of future-ready leadership:
- Digital Transformation: Executives with a deep understanding of digital ecosystems, data analytics and automation are increasingly sought after
- Sustainability: ESG expertise is no longer optional – leaders must be capable of embedding sustainability into strategy and operations
- Resilience and Crisis Management: Proven ability to navigate disruption, from post-pandemic recovery to geopolitical risk, is critical
Partnering with Aviation Leaders of Tomorrow
As the sector continues to evolve, Boyden is proud to partner with aviation and travel organisations to identify, attract and develop the leaders who will navigate this next phase of growth.
For more insights or to discuss your leadership needs in the aviation sector, please contact Rick White, Partner at Boyden UK & Ireland.
Sources:
IATA: Airline Industry Outlook
FlightGlobal: Aircraft Delivery Forecast
PwC: Aviation Industry Trends
