Captain Laura Einsetler to receive IAOTP’s Global Icon Award in Aviation

By AI, Created 10:53 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – Captain Laura Einsetler has been selected for IAOTP’s 2026 Global Icon Award in Aviation and will be honored at the group’s annual gala at The Plaza Hotel in New York City in December. The recognition spotlights more than three decades of flying, teaching and aviation consulting, along with her work as an author and public speaker.

Why it matters: - The award puts a spotlight on a commercial airline captain whose career spans flying, instruction, consulting and media work. - IAOTP’s Global Icon Award is one of the organization’s highest honors and is intended to recognize leadership and industry impact at national and global levels. - The honor also underscores continued recognition for women in aviation and for professionals who pair technical expertise with public communication.

What happened: - The International Association of Top Professionals selected Captain Laura Einsetler for its Global Icon Award in Aviation for 2026. - IAOTP will present the award at its Annual Awards Gala in December at The Plaza Hotel in New York City. - Einsetler is being recognized for leadership, dedication and commitment to aviation. - A full event listing is available at the annual awards gala.

The details: - Einsetler is a commercial airline captain, author, blogger, guest speaker, media spokesperson and mother. - Her career includes more than 30 years in aviation. - She has served as Director of Operations at Wanda Collins Airshows, a flight instructor at Tradewinds Aviation at San Jose International Airport and a Navy contract pilot. - She has more than 25 years with major U.S. airlines, including the last eight years as captain. - Her aircraft experience includes the Boeing 767, 757 and 737, the Airbus A320, the Lockheed L-188 and the Convair 580. - Einsetler’s instructional experience includes multi-engine, commercial flight and instrument instruction. - She has worked as an aviation consultant for CBS National News, CNN, News Nation, USA Today, The New York Times and The Washington Post, among others. - Her co-hosting work on San Francisco Fleet Week Airshow Live Broadcast on KRON 4 News drew an Emmy Award nomination. - Einsetler has written books including The Passenger’s Guide to Stress Free Air Travel, Harrowing Pilot Stories, Lost and Found and Captain. - She earned a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a minor in dispatch.

Between the lines: - IAOTP uses the award to recognize professionals who it views as leaders, innovators and contributors to their industries and communities. - Einsetler’s profile combines cockpit credentials with media visibility, which broadens her influence beyond airline operations. - Her repeated recognition by IAOTP suggests the organization is using its awards to elevate a small group of recurring honorees across years. - The release also frames aviation as a platform for mentorship and advocacy, not just technical flight operations.

What’s next: - Einsetler will receive the Global Icon Award in Aviation at IAOTP’s December gala in New York City. - She says she plans to keep flying, writing and speaking, while encouraging more people to pursue aviation careers. - More information is available at Captain Laura Einsetler’s website.

The bottom line: - IAOTP is elevating Laura Einsetler as a veteran pilot whose influence reaches well beyond the cockpit, with the December gala serving as the public capstone to that recognition.