Michael Swiatek: Blind airline executive offers insights to improve the airline experience

Breakthroughs: Smart Strategies for Career/Business Growth

Michael Swiatek is on a mission to uplift the lives of the worlds largest minority, people with disabilities, especially those who are legally blind, or have low vision, by enhancing their travel experiences. He’s not only a senior executive with real world success in the airline industry, but is also legally blind himself. His unique life experiences have shaped his outlook and career journey. With a distinguished aviation career, Michael Swiatek has excelled in senior executive roles at prominent global airlines. Currently serving as the Chief Strategy Officer at Abra group, the parent company of Avianca and GOL airlines, he shapes the strategic direction of these airlines, driving profitability and competitiveness in the Americas market. Prior to his current role at Abra group, Swiatek held the position of Chief Strategy and Planning Officer at Avianca, transforming the airlines positioning through alliance formation, network expansion, and corporate planning. He also championed inclusivity as Co-Chair of culture transformation, accessibility, adversity, equity and inclusion, solidifying Avianca‘s reputation as a socially responsible airline. Previously, Michael has held senior roles at several global airlines, including Chief Planning Officer at Indigo airlines, the largest airline in India, Qatar airways as Chief Planning Officer and Air New Zealand, where he served as Director of Strategic Planning. Throughout his career, Michael Swiatek’s strategic acumen and leadership have left an indelible mark on the aviation industry, propelling organizations to new heights. This podcast episode is appropriate for anyone looking for inspiration to overcome obstacles toward success.