Neerja Bhatia
VP - Indian Subcontinent Etihad Airways
With over 30 years of experience in the aviation industry, Neerja Bhatia oversees one of the most dynamic markets in the world – India, where she has played a key role in the expansion and growth of Etihad Airways. In her leadership role, she has been responsible for the successful introduction of the airline to 11 Indian cities over the years and has been a mainstay to its evolving business model of becoming an airline of choice.
Neerja Bhatia joined Etihad Airways in 2004 and has since climbed the corporate ladder to her current position, spearheading the award-winning airline’s commercial activities in India, Bangladesh, Maldives, Nepal, Seychelles and Sri Lanka.
Neerja believes that women are capable of bringing about change differently and successfully, and their determination to challenge the paradigm in every detail is crucial. This has truly helped her airline in creating a benchmark in aviation industry standards.
Neerja has always been inspired by her team’s drive, creativity, and commitment to the organisation. She believes that one needs to unlearn every day, be disciplined, curious, and highly ambitious while listening to people with an open mind and being ready to be challenged by their opinion.
At Etihad, they work as one team and not in isolation. With the new normal of working from home, Neerja ensured her team and she connected virtually every morning and remained connected despite working remotely. Now, with things coming back to normal, she makes it a point to meet every member of her team first thing in the morning. This not only helps them remain engaged but also helps them effectively manage work.
“I believe women leaders can bring about change differently and successfully, as our determination to challenge the paradigm in every detail is crucial. A good leader is one who recognises that there is no shortcut to success. There’s only hard work, passion and commitment that goes behind the scenes.”
Neerja also mentions that she has always believed in the concept of personal enhancement and wellbeing. To strike that right balance, it is important to take care of one’s own physical, emotional, and mental health. Personally, her yoga and meditation have helped her immensely and have been her support system through these difficult times.
At Etihad, they have been mindful of maintaining a conducive work culture and employee experience. They have learned that it is important to focus on the fundamentals and pivot as per changing circumstances.
Next Vacation: Neerja loves spending time in the little island oasis, Maldives.