Gabriella Somerville

Gabriella Somerville FRSA is an aviation entrepreneur, author, speaker and consultant with more than 30 years of experience in commercial and business aviation. A pioneer in a traditionally male-dominated industry, she has held roles with British Island Airways, Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, Bombardier Skyjet International and VistaJet, where she became the first female Vice President of Programme Sales. In 2009, she founded ConnectJets, which became profitable in its first year and grew into a multi-million-pound business. She also secured an exclusive dealership for Piaggio Aerospace across the UK and other territories.

Through her consultancy, Somerville advises aircraft manufacturers, brokers, government agencies, corporations and private clients on aviation strategy, innovation, leadership and entrepreneurship, including aircraft sales, charter, leasing and emerging clean technologies. As a public speaker, she shares practical lessons on business-building, resilience and breaking barriers. Her books include the children’s story Zuri the Beautiful Giraffe and the Honking Hippo and the forthcoming memoir Walking the Runway, recounting her path from cabin crew to aviation industry leader.