To celebrate International Women’s Day, London Luton Airport (LLA) is shining a light on six of the hundreds of women integral to keeping the airport running safely, smoothly and efficiently.  

Nicole Prior, Head of Flight Operations 

Nicole Prior joined LLA over 10 years ago as a graduate, testing out the world of aviation with the intention to one day undertake pilot training. Struck by the diverse career pathways offered by the airport, Nicole’s LLA career began with a role as Airport Environment Officer and included a secondment in the Airport Operations Control Centre (AOCC), before progressing to her current role as Head of Flight Operations. The experience gained has given her broad and valuable insight into the airport operation, all of which is hugely beneficial for our passengers, aircraft operators, as well as the local community.  

It’s a varied role with a broad and important remit, from fostering a positive community and political relations, building an understanding of LLA’s flight operations, to the planning of major airfield projects and overseeing delivery of the airport’s noise action plan. As head of a team so integral to airport operations, Nicole uses her voice as a female leader to mentor colleagues. Passionate about advocating for other women, Nicole shares her learnings and experiences with others, consistently recognising the hard work of those working behind-the-scenes at the airport, and encouraging strong connection between teams to create a more collaborative and inclusive workplace that will help pave the way for more women in the future.  

Highlighting the breadth of opportunity available for women at LLA, Nicole said: “Whenever I see an aircraft moving around the airfield I still appreciate it and I’ll never take for granted how lucky I am. Aviation is welcoming, and there continues to be more room for women. It really does feel like there’s a role for everyone at LLA.”  

Anna Sienkiewicz, Guest Experience Ambassador 

As a Guest Experience Ambassador, Anna Sienkiewicz works on the frontline of the airport’s passenger experience, providing support, advice and a helping hand to ensure a simple and friendly experience for the thousands of passengers who travel through LLA every day. Anna cites strong communication, adaptability and collaboration as core qualities required for her role, and comments: “LLA has always been a place for open communication, with a strong culture of teamwork and continuous improvement. Aviation offers incredible opportunities for growth and development. There is always space for women in every area of the airport.” 

Jolanta Muco, Health and Safety Advisor  

As a trusted Health and Safety (H&S) Advisor, Jolanta works closely with teams across the airport to ensure a safe environment for passengers and colleagues. “Resilience, adaptability and strong communication skills are essential for the role,” Jolanta explains, stressing the importance of teamwork and collaboration in a live operational environment. To any young girl or woman considering a career in aviation, Jolanta’s advice is clear: “Go for it. Stay open to learning, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. I’ve met several women who have built long and successful careers at the airport, demonstrating there are always opportunities to grow and progress.” 

Sam Maher, Motor Transport Manager 

With 28 years of experience under her belt, Sam Maher’s impressive career has spanned roles in Cargo, Apron Services and Motor Transport, roles that have enabled her to continuously develop her skills and knowledge of the broader operation.  

As a key member of the Motor Transport team, responsible for keeping LLA’s fleet of operational plant and vehicles running safely and efficiently, Sam names adaptability and resilience as essential skills in a dynamic operational environment. Sam highlights that for her it’s about keeping both the vehicles and her colleagues looked after, so being approachable and listening to her colleagues is key to her role. “I’ve developed strong confidence and resilience. I aim to be an approachable mentor where I can share my experience, support the team and help others to learn and grow,” she explains. Now, having worked as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field for so long, Sam is delighted to see the department’s female contingent growing in recent years: “It’s encouraging to see more women joining the department, reflecting LLA’s work in progressing diversity. With the organisation’s strong focus on teamwork, communication and development, I’m able to lead in a positive and supportive way.” 

Tara Jennings, Guest Experience Ambassador 

Tara Jennings worked for LLA’s Assisted Travel team, before stepping into her current role in LLA’s award-winning Guest Experience team, armed with the knowledge that in a live operational environment, every day can bring new challenges, and overwhelming joys. Whether that’s stepping in to support with operational challenges, a medical emergency or even assisting with the birth of a baby in the terminal, Tara sees her problem-solving and communication skills as essential in high-pressure moments. “LLA offers training and support in all aspects of the workplace, and has provided me with resources that have given me the confidence and strength to deal with sometimes challenging situations. It’s amazing and inspiring to work within a team that is always ready to help each other and make everyone’s working day easier.”  

Jo Snoxell, Operations Controller 

Jo Snoxell is a proud powerhouse in LLA’s AOCC, the airport’s operational nerve centre. With 25 years of experience at the airport, Jo has seen it all and, as an Operations Controller, plays a key role in day-to-day aircraft stand planning and passenger gate allocation, working closely with service partners and the Guest Experience team. Describing the key components of her role, Jo whittles it down to three core areas: planning, monitoring and communicating: “It’s live, anything can happen at any time. It’s important to be calm, flexible, approachable and inquisitive, but it’s hugely rewarding and there are often opportunities to enhance your career within the business.” 

From behind-the-scenes operational roles and passenger facing careers in the Guest Experience team, to championing a safe environment within the Health and Safety department, LLA offers a wealth of inspiring career avenues. These are just a few examples of the hundreds of talented, inspiring and valued women who work hard to deliver a safe, efficient and smooth-running airport each day.  

International Women's Day (IWD), celebrated annually on March 8, is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for advancing gender equality. 

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About London Luton Airport

London Luton Airport (LLA) is one of the UK’s busiest airports, operated by a consortium, of which the majority shareholder is AENA, the world’s largest airport operator, and InfraBridge, a leading infrastructure investment manager. Airlines include Jet2, easyJet, Wizz Air, Ryanair, Tui, FlyOne, Sun Express and El Al.

The airport is owned for community benefit by Luton Rising, a company wholly-owned by Luton Council, which has invested more than £500m in front-line, voluntary and charitable services since 1998.

The Luton Airport Express allows passengers to travel from central London to the LLA terminal in around 30 minutes. The service runs from St Pancras International to Luton Airport Parkway station and connects seamlessly with the DART, an electrically powered people mover that connects to the airport terminal in less than four minutes.

In 2024, LLA was named European Airport of the Year (10-25 million passengers) by ACI EUROPE, and in 2025 LLA received the highest possible rating of 'Very Good' in the annual Airport Accessibility report published by the CAA, assessing assisted travel service performance.

In 2023, LLA also achieved Level 4 of the globally recognised Airport Carbon Accreditation scheme, demonstrating that it is ‘transforming its operations to achieve carbon reductions in line with global climate goals’. With a maximum score of 100 and a five-star rating, LLA has been ranked as a sector leader for four consecutive years in the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB) benchmark of sustainability governance management and performance of major infrastructure assets worldwide.

LLA continues to be a major employer and a key economic driver in Bedfordshire — supporting 28,000 jobs and contributing £830 million per year to the local economy. 

Further information on London Luton Airport can be found here: https://www.london-luton.co.uk/ 

London Luton Airport Press Office
T: 01582 395333
E: pressoffice@ltn.aero

URL: https://mediahub.london-luton.co.uk/news/06032026/iwd-the-women-who-keep-lla-flying