Key Commercial Aviation Executives To Watch In 2026

Under Alvo’s leadership, LATAM Airlines Group is poised to deliver a record financial performance this year while expanding premium offerings. Another milestone is scheduled for 2026, when LATAM takes delivery of its first Embraer 195-E2, enabling further expansion in the growing Latin American market.

Bakar will take over as president and CEO of Malaysia Airlines parent Malaysia Aviation Group in January after a major transformation period. There is still much to do, and he will be in charge of executing the carrier’s new network strategy, solidifying profitability, building the fleet and preparing for an eventual relisting.

Appointed president and CEO in April, Davis is leading Spirit through its repeat restructuring, pointing out that there is “much more work to be done” and he intends to “double down” on certain efforts this time around. As the carrier shrinks to survive, 2025 has presented its own unique headwinds.

Southwest’s multi-year transformation plan includes the debut of assigned and extra-legroom seating in 2026—a departure from its hallmark open boarding and single-class layout. Pursuing change with newfound agility, Jordan has hinted at more to come, evaluating offerings such as lounges and future long-haul international flying.

The Dutch startup has redesigned its planned hybrid-electric aircraft to align better with regional jet replacement needs. The company has secured an equity investment from U.S. regional carrier SkyWest and a collaboration agreement with Delta Air Lines. It plans to complete the concept design phase by early 2026.

From production increases to multiple certification programs, Boeing’s Commercial Airplanes division will be busy in 2026. Pope is expected to lead the business unit through what industry and Wall Street analysts anticipate will be its first full year of routine progress following a long stretch of setbacks.

Since 2003, Váradi has grown the low-cost carrier into a large point-to-point specialist in Europe. However, headwinds include Pratt & Whitney engine issues, the closure of an Abu Dhabi base and having to reduce capacity in Israel. To reassure financiers about Wizz’s future, Váradi’s reasoning hinges on the Airbus A321neo, which he views as the most efficient narrowbody.

Returning from MTU Aero Engines, Wagner will become CEO of Airbus’ commercial aircraft business in January. He faces the challenges of fixing Airbus’ operational issues—including supply chain oversight and starting a long sought-after production ramp-up. Wagner will also lead the design studies of Airbus’ planned next single-­aisle aircraft.

Air India is advancing its fleet upgrade program following Tata Group’s acquisition of the carrier in 2022. Wilson expects new aircraft deliveries to ramp up and a large proportion of widebody cabin retrofits to be completed in 2026. Meanwhile, the investigation into the crash of Air India Flight 171 shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad Airport in Gujarat, India, last June, will likely be making headlines.