Logistics to International Safety to Leading 28,000 Flight Attendants: Bobbi Wells

In this episode of the Fly Girls’ Guide Podcast, René talks with Bobbi Wells, Vice President of Inflight at American Airlines, where she leads a team of 28,000 flight attendants and hundreds of support staff. Bobbi reflects on her career path—from Army service to head of safety at FedEx to a major passenger airline—and what it takes to lead at the highest levels of the aviation industry.Tune in as they discuss:Bobbi’s path from the Army and FedEx into passenger airline leadershipHow flight attendants balance safety, customer care, and resilienceThe unique regulatory and safety demands of aviation careersLeadership lessons: empathy, vision, and setting a clear directionWhy saying yes to hard opportunities is the key to growthHer story is proof that aviation offers not only technical careers, but opportunities to lead, influence, and leave a lasting impact on people and the industry for decades to come. About Bobbi WellsBobbi Wells is Vice President of Inflight and oversees American’s nearly 27,000 flight attendants and the Inflight Operations, Training, Strategy, and Support teams that help them care for customers around the world.Previously, Bobbi was Vice President of Safety Systems, Efficiency and Compliance, where she oversaw American's safety systems with a focus on managing risk through design, science and innovation. Before joining American in 2021, Bobbi was Vice President of Safety and Airworthiness in Air Operations at FedEx. She held several leadership roles during her more than 25 years at the carrier. Bobbi started her career in the U.S. Army and spent more than a decade as a transportation and logistics officer leading logistical support for 30,000 troops based in Germany. Bobbi is past-Chair of the Flight Safety Foundation Board of Governors and serves on the Industry Advisory Board for the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Center for Aviation and Aerospace Safety. She is also a member of the MITRE Aviation Advisory Committee and the IATA Operations Advisory Council.Bobbi spends much of her time finding ways to support, develop and advocate for women in aviation. She is a past president of the International Aerospace Women's Association and formerly served on the Department of Transportation's Women in Aviation Advisory Board.Thanks for tuning into the show!Subscribe so you don’t miss future stories from women shaping the skies. If you enjoyed today’s episode, leave a review and share it with a friend. It’s one of the best ways to help us grow the Fly Girls’ Guide community.https://weareflygirls.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareflygirls/ https://www.instagram.com/weareflygirls_ https://www.facebook.com/weareflygirls https://www.youtube.com/@weareflygirls Connect with UsSubscribe to the show so you don’t miss future stories from women shaping the skies. And if you enjoyed today’s episode, leave a review and share it with a friend. It’s one of the best ways to help us grow the Fly Girls’ Guide community! https://weareflygirls.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareflygirls/ https://www.instagram.com/weareflygirls_ https://www.facebook.com/weareflygirls https://www.youtube.com/@weareflygirls