IMM Graduate School

University of South Africa/Universiteit van Suid-Afrika

Cégep du Vieux Montréal - Formation continue et aux entreprises

Area Manager, Canada & Bermuda

After more than 20 years of enriching experience in the international air transport sector, I made a courageous decision to take a career sabbatical. 

This decision was driven by my commitment to investing in my personal well-being. 

During this time, I had the invaluable opportunity to prioritize spending quality time with my loved ones, travelling, reconnecting with my inner WARRIOR (a heartfelt acknowledgment to my yoga community and my boxing tribe), engaging in deep reflection, and redefining my vision of what's possible.

As Rupi Kaur beautifully expressed, 'I will never have this version of me again; let me slow down and be with her.' 

This period has been transformative, empowering me to approach the next phase of my career with renewed energy, clarity, and purpose.

Career Break

Health and well-being

“If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his own language, that goes to his heart." Nelson Mandela

Cegep du Vieux Montreal

Full-time Student - French (Cégep du Vieux Montréal - Formation continue et aux entreprises)

Promoted One ID to enable passengers to further streamline their journey with a document-free process based on identity management and biometric recognition and thereby advanced the objective of achieving a truly interoperable system coordination between airports, airlines, and governments

Seconded to the global IATA Travel Pass project team (April 2021- October 2021). IATA Travel Pass was a mobile application which enabled travelers to store and manage their verified certifications for COVID-19 tests and/or vaccines which could be shared with border authorities simply and securely. 

Project managed the implementation of IATA Travel Pass trials with some 15 international airlines based in Africa, Europe, Middle East, and the Americas combined.

International Air Transport Association (IATA)

Senior Manager, Passenger Experience

This role was analogous to serving as IATA's "Ambassador" to Canada and Bermuda. Similar to a country's ambassador, this role required a multitalented, flexible and versatile individual to serve as a relationship manager, an advocate, a sales person and more.

Proudly represented, lead and served the interests of IATA member airlines by advocating for aviation with governments and industry stakeholders across the supply chain to create a safe, secure and sustainable air transport system. 

Delivered enhanced advocacy outcomes by developing industry partnerships and coalitions with IATA member airlines and industry stakeholders including government agencies, airports, Air Navigational Service Providers (ANSP’s), industry associations, suppliers, and service providers.

Repeatedly exceeded commercial revenue targets by matching client needs with IATA’s suite of commercial aviation solutions, e.g., business intelligence products, IATA training, and consulting services.

Piloted and oversaw the implementation of various global transformational industry projects and initiatives at country and global level.

In collaboration with the Regional Coordination Team (RCT), represented, lead, and served IATA airline members by delivering IATA’s board monitored activities (as established by the associations Board of Governors), advocating for industry policy positions and promoting IATA’s commercial products and services in Southern Africa (Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe).

Country Manager, Southern Africa

Managed and oversaw the full spectrum of Human Capital activities in Africa (Southern, Eastern, Central West and South West Africa) for approximately 40 employees.

Lead a Human Capital recruitment project in the Middle East to establish an Industry Settlement System (ISS) operational hub based in Amman, Jordan.

Worked in collaboration with Regional Country Managers and Sales and Marketing divisions to conduct business development and marketing activities to promote IATA's training portfolio (including regional partnerships, classroom, in-company and distance learning) in Africa. 

Grew the network of IATA Training Authorized Training Centers (ATCs) in Africa.

Expanded the IATA Training faculty network in Africa by recruiting local instructors to support training activities in the region.

Regional Human Capital Manager, Africa

Skills: Senior Stakeholder Management · Communication · Stakeholder Engagement

Manager, Customer Services & Human Capital Partner

South African Express Airways provided an extensive feeder network in support of its alliance partnership with South African Airways to the majority of destinations in South Africa and regionally.

During my tenure at South African Express Airways I held a diverse range of positions including, Corporate Affairs & Communications Manager, Trade Marketing Manager, Key Account Manager and Group Reservations Consultant.

Nicola Colville