Sumati Sharma CA, Partner in Aviation at Oliver Wyman, discusses her work to improve gender equality, the importance of transparency in business and founding the Women in Aviation & Aerospace Charter, which is committed to creating a more balanced and fair industry for women. 

Sumati Sharma CA, Partner in Aviation at Oliver Wyman, discusses her work to improve gender equality, the importance of transparency in business and founding the Women in Aviation & Aerospace Charter, which is committed to creating a more balanced and fair industry for women. 

Prior to joining Oliver Wyman, Sumati qualified with EY in 2001 before moving on to join Virgin Atlantic. Over the course of 16 years, Sumati took on a variety of roles at Virgin across finance, strategy, commercial, and HR, covering both the airline and tour operator, Virgin Holidays. 

Sumati successfully led the design and implementation of the $13bn expanded joint venture with Delta Air Lines and Air France KLM, creating the pre-eminent transatlantic aviation joint venture that commands a quarter of airline capacity between the UK,  Europe and the US. The programme was a success thanks to Sumati’s ability to create strong and  meaningful relationships at senior levels. Most recently, she led Virgin Atlantic’s COVID-19 cost restructuring programme. 

Beyond her extensive work across strategy and finance, Sumati is a champion for equality, diversity and inclusion in the travel industry, speaking regularly on topics related to diversity, including at the House of Commons and the Aviation 2050 Conference. She is the Founder and Board Co-Chair for the Women in Aviation & Aerospace Charter. With more than 220 companies listed as signatories and supported by the UK Government, the Charter is committed to creating a more balanced and fair industry for women. 

(Published March 2021)