Aviation thrives on progress—and so do the incredible women driving change in our industry. As we celebrate International Women’s Day and Women of Aviation Week, we’re proud to spotlight Sara Bustillo, our VP of Transformation, whose diverse career path has led her to a leadership role in aviation. Sara’s journey highlights the art of balancing leadership with her commitments to family and personal passions, proving that true success is not only about professional achievement but also about living a fulfilling and purposeful life.

Sara’s career began with a passion for space and engineering, leading her to pursue a master’s in aerospace engineering. It has taken her across Europe—from aircraft engine engineering to sales, strategy consulting, and now, leading transformation at Swissport.

"Aviation hasn’t always been the core of my career, but I’ve always been driven by the excitement of learning, growing, and finding opportunities that push me forward."

Balancing Leadership, Family, and Personal Passions

Beyond her role at Swissport, Sara is also a mother of two and an avid runner. Balancing work and home life isn’t always easy, but she’s found ways to make it work.

"My husband and I plan ahead, making sure one of us is always available for our kids. Having a professional identity is important to me—it’s how I was raised. Running and working both help me stay focused and energized."

Having an equal partnership, where both support each other in balancing careers and family commitments, allows both partners to thrive personally and professionally while ensuring their family’s needs are met. This same ability to work as a team, prioritize, delegate, and stay adaptable is something she brings to her leadership at Swissport every day.

The Importance of Diversity & Inclusion

For Sara, diversity and inclusion aren’t just buzzwords—they’re essential to building stronger teams and driving better decision-making.

"When people with different perspectives come together, they challenge each other and build better solutions. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it."

Her experience reflects our belief that diverse perspectives drive innovation and meaningful progress across our global operations. Across 286 Swissport locations, 20,000 women, one third of our workforce, play a vital role in shaping the industry alongside colleagues from all walks of life. We are committed to further increase the proportion of women leaders to 40 percent by 2027, paving the way for a more inclusive future.

Advice for Women in Aviation

Sara’s advice for women balancing demanding careers and personal responsibilities?

"Get help, delegate, and learn to say no. You don’t have to do everything yourself—at work or at home. Finding the right support system is key to thriving in all aspects of life."

Having experienced the challenges of balancing work and family firsthand, Sara wrote a book titled Where Parents Thrive, exploring how policies, workplace culture, and the broader cultural influences we live in and are raised in impact dual-career families.

"It’s a bumpy road, but it’s worth the ride!"

Celebrating Women in Aviation

As we mark International Women’s Day and Women of Aviation Week, we celebrate leaders like Sara who are shaping the future of aviation—proving that success isn’t just about breaking barriers, but about creating opportunities for the next generation.

Stay tuned for more stories in our Meet the Faces Behind Swissport series, where we showcase the incredible people behind our business. Want to see what life at Swissport is like? Visit Our People page to learn more.