James Shortt

Background

About James Shortt

Aviation has always been more than just a career for me, it’s a lifelong passion. With over 25 years of leadership experience in the aviation sector across Australia and the Middle East, I specialise in transforming customer journeys, elevating service standards, and driving operational excellence. From frontline operational management at Qantas and Jetstar to leading hospitality and service delivery at Riyadh Air, I have helped shape guest experiences that reflect the highest standards of hospitality, innovation, and safety. Holding a Master of Aviation Management, I am deeply committed to continuous improvement, people development, and strategic business growth. My leadership style is built around empowering teams, enhancing cultural engagement, and enabling collaboration between operational, training, digital, and product functions to deliver connected guest experiences. I am passionate about combining human-centered design with operational strategy to not only meet, but exceed, guest expectations in a rapidly evolving global aviation environment. Let’s connect if you’re passionate about reshaping the future of travel, hospitality, and operational excellence. I am always open to leadership collaborations, innovation projects, and mentoring opportunities.