Leaders in Aviation Report 2021

Read the Leaders in Aviation Report

Aviation has been one of the most significantly impacted sectors during the pandemic. Many aviation businesses are still having to work in survival mode and the demands placed on Aviation Leaders have never been greater. A stressful and pressurised working environment has been heightened with many Aviation Leaders living in fear of redundancy and furlough.

The pandemic has quickly made us face adaption to new ways of working, as well as being given more time to think and re-evaluate what is important to us in our careers.

It has not been the crisis alone that has made its impact. The pressure to continue to digitally transform businesses, the threat of cyber-attacks, as well as a stronger focus on climate change and building more diverse workforces, have all been significant.

Many leaders have been forced to cut costs, restructure their workforces, and make challenging executive decisions that will in turn protect the future of the businesses that they manage. We have witnessed courageous leadership that is a testament to how some Aviation Leaders can lead their businesses through some of the most challenging times that they will ever face.

It was essential that we speak with Aviation Leaders to delve deeper into the factors that have impacted them over the last 18 months and their plans for how they will thrive as leaders in the future.

We have created this unique report to establish and highlight trends from an Aviation Leader’s perspective. We will uncover trends in careers, reward, working styles, the future of work and leadership.

It covers areas such as Has the expatriate lifestyle lost its appeal? What aspects of leadership have Aviation Leaders had to improve? Have Aviation Leaders had to adapt their leadership style? How confident are Aviation Leaders to change jobs? What are leaders views on the future of working styles? What impact has the pandemic had on the future of reward? Will remote working change reward structures? These are just a few of the questions that are so unique to the aviation sector and ones that only the leaders themselves will answer.

Read the Leaders in Aviation Report

To discuss any of the findings in the report, please contact Mark Charman, CEO & Founder or Samantha Nero, Associate Director of Executive Search and Aviation Recruitment.

For all media enquiries, please contact Nic Jones, Group Marketing Director.

Latest Insights

View All Insights
Strategic Compensation in Aviation - Aviation Salary Surveys - GOOSE Recruitment
Why strategic compensation is a priority in Aviation

Compensation is a central focus for aviation employers, influenced by evolving workforce expectations, market complexity, and increasing scrutiny from employees and stakeholders.​The aviation pay p...

How to Use AI to Improve Your CV - GOOSE Recruitment
How to Use AI to Improve Your CV

​AI is transforming the way we work, and that includes how we apply for jobs. Whether you are in Commercial Aviation, MRO & Technical Services, or Flight Crew, AI tools can help you enhance your CV...

August 2025 - This month in Aviation & Airline Recruitment - GOOSE Recruitment
August 2025 - This month in Aviation & Airline Recruitment

Welcome to your latest aviation recruitment update. This edition is full of expert insight, from smart strategies for attracting talent with a limited employer brand to what the UK public really wa...

How to Be Head-Huntable For Aviation Jobs - GOOSE Recruitment
How to Be Head-Huntable For Aviation Jobs

​If you’re aiming for senior roles in the aviation industry, chances are you won’t find your next opportunity on a job board. The most influential, high-impact roles, especially in leadership, are ...

Career Drift - How to Spot it and Correct Course - GOOSE Recruitment
Career Drift: How to Spot It and Correct Course

​In a demanding industry like aviation, it’s easy to keep your head down, get the job done, and assume that means you’re on track. But what if you’ve been so focused on delivering that you haven’t ...

How to attract aviation talent with a limited employer brand - GOOSE Recruitment
How to Attract Aviation Talent with a Limited Employer Brand

You don’t need to be a household name to attract top aviation talent. Some of the most compelling employers in the sector are the ones you’ve never heard of, yet. If you are a smaller operator, a ...

1
July 2025 - This month in Aviation & Airline Recruitment

​This month in Aviation & Airline RecruitmentIn this issue, hear from GOOSE about entering private aviation, discover how defense contracts might be the surprising key to flying taxis, and much mor...

From Reactive to Proactive Hiring: The Case for RPO - Aviation Recruitment Process Outsourcing - Aviation Recruitment - GOOSE Recruitment
From Reactive to Proactive Hiring: The Case for RPO

Waiting to hire until you need someone is already too late… In aviation, uncertainty has become a given. One minute you are scaling up for a new aircraft launch or project; the next, you are facin...

25 Career Moves You Can Make in 10 Minutes or Less - GOOSE Recruitment
25 Career Moves You Can Make in 10 Minutes or Less

​Small actions. Big momentum. You don’t need to overhaul your life to move your career forward. You just need 10 minutes. Whether you're in the air, on the ground, or navigating a packed schedule, ...

Retention Starts with Recruitment - How to Hire with Staying Power in Mind - Aviation Recruitment - GOOSE Recruitment
Retention Starts with Recruitment: How to Hire with Staying Power in Mind

Attracting top aviation talent is one thing, but keeping them is another. But here is the often-overlooked truth: long-term retention starts from the very first conversation. Too many employers tr...

The Role of Purpose in Aviation Careers: How to Stand Out as an Employer - GOOSE Recruitment
The Role of Purpose in Aviation Careers: How to Stand Out as an Employer

In today’s world of work, job seekers are no longer just looking for a competitive salary, a decent benefits package, or the next rung on the career ladder. They are looking for purpose. The aviati...

June 2025 - This month in Aviation & Airline Recruitment
June 2025 - This month in Aviation & Airline Recruitment

We’re halfway through 2025, and there’s plenty to share.In this edition, we explore the latest industry trends and expert insights. From why discipline (not motivation) is the key to career growth ...