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

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.