Crisis Leadership: Processes, Skills and Behaviors Proven Effective in Airline Accident Responses
Learn crisis leadership principles from real-world airline accident responses, exploring proven processes, behaviors, and strategies for leading effectively under pressure.
@ Aeroclass
Course description
In an age defined by rapid change, global connectivity, and constant disruption, leaders in aviation must be prepared to respond to crises that test their decision-making, communication, and resilience. Major airline accidents are among the most demanding events a leader can face, challenging every aspect of planning, leadership, and human empathy.
This course offers a first-person perspective on crisis leadership through real airline accident experience. It highlights how few situations test the limits of leadership more intensely than responding to a major aviation emergency.
Participants will examine leadership roles before, during, and after a crisis; learn how to anticipate risks; and explore how preparation, planning, and culture influence outcomes. Core themes include response structure, people-focused decision-making, delegation and empowerment, effective communication, and self-management under pressure.
Through practical insights and lessons learned from real-life events, this course equips current and aspiring leaders with the mindset and tools needed to lead with clarity, empathy, and confidence during times of crisis.
Learning outcomes
At the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Understand the strategic environment required to identify risks, anticipate consequences, and embed crisis management in organizational culture
- Recognize the management processes, people strategies, and communication systems essential before, during, and after a crisis
- Identify the leadership skills, attitudes, and behaviors necessary to perform effectively as a crisis leader
- Reflect on their current readiness to lead a crisis and create an action plan for strengthening their leadership capabilities
Who should attend
- Team leaders
- Supervisors
- Managers
- Middle and Senior Management responsible for people, operations, or crisis response
Meet your instructor
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Hector Sandoval
An “Effective Leadership” Consultant, Coach and Corporate Trainer, with more than 35 years of experience in international commercial aviation. Born in Guatemala, he has lived and worked in the U.S., Mexico, Peru and Spain. Educated in the U.S. and Guatemala, including University level studies in Social Anthropology and History.
Since 1986 has occupied ever increasing responsibility roles in major international, as well as regional and specialized aviation organizations. Has led teams and projects in more than 35 international locations, across functions such as: airport operations, new station and route startups, new technologies and training, new ground handling startups, airline alliances and partnerships, global alliance management, HR, talent and organization management, change management, labor relations, corporate and crisis communications, emergency response planning and crisis leadership.
During his last corporate assignments, he developed Spanair's strategic alliance portfolio and secured the carrier's entry into Star Alliance, where he served in the Alliance Management Board. As Chief People Officer in the same carrier, he designed, led and executed business transformation programs in Human Resources, Organization and Leadership Development, Labor Relations and Internal Communications.
In August 2008 he was appointed Crisis Management Director, overseeing all major emergency response functions and a team of 400 family assistance volunteers, to manage the JK5022 accident in Madrid's international airport.
Since 2014 he is a certified IATA Instructor delivering content on aviation related matters including management, leadership, airline, and airport operations, commercial, strategic and HR processes. He provides leadership effectiveness solutions and content in various higher education and corporate training institutions, as well as supporting executives and business owners in development processes.
“Having been tested as a leader during major airline accidents provides a unique opportunity to share the lessons, and support individuals, teams and organizations to be more effective during a crisis."
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