With a career spanning three decades across the aviation sector, Avelo Airlines founder and chief executive Andrew Levy has experienced the industry from multiple vantage points, ranging from early-stage startup ventures to executive leadership roles at major domestic carriers.
Reflecting on the foundation of his career, Levy points to a straightforward principle as his primary driver: relentless effort. “Working really, really hard. That’s the truth,” Levy said.
Levy’s aviation background includes starting at ValuJet Airlines before helping co-found Allegiant Air, where he served in key leadership capacities, including president. He later transitioned to United Airlines as chief financial officer before establishing Avelo in 2021.
Beyond sheer effort, Levy emphasizes authenticity and a willingness to embrace vulnerability as essential components of effective leadership. While vulnerability is sometimes misinterpreted as a shortcoming in corporate settings, he views it as a strength. “The best career advice I think I’ve received is to just not be afraid to be vulnerable and to show your vulnerability,” he noted, adding that leaders must remain genuine to themselves.
When asked about executive responsibilities he refuses to hand off to others, Levy pointed to difficult communications. Delivering unfavorable news is a task he prefers to manage personally. “I think that in my role especially, that it’s really important to deliver the good, the bad and the ugly, but not hide behind somebody else to do that, but do it myself,” he said.
Levy also rejected the notion that the chief executive position is an uncomplicated role, describing it as an all-consuming commitment requiring constant attention and focus. He noted a general underappreciation among observers for the personal toll and heavy responsibilities tied to running a major enterprise.
For professionals hoping to build a career in commercial aviation, Levy advises embracing volatility. The industry requires comfort with ongoing transformation and a tolerance for unpredictability. “It’s dynamic, it’s exciting, but it’s constant change,” he said. “And you have to enjoy that. You have to enjoy some level of chaos.”
Looking outside of aviation, Levy said he could envision himself working in investment or private equity, driven by an enduring interest in examining diverse business models and continuous learning.
Long before entering the corporate suite, Levy earned money as a child by performing odd jobs such as raking leaves, pulling weeds, and mowing lawns. In casual personal preferences, he described himself as a night owl who handles significant workloads after hours and prefers working in a physical office environment rather than remotely.
When asked to identify his least favorite corporate buzzword, Levy selected “laser focused,” calling it nonsensical with a laugh. Asked how his team would characterize his leadership style, he offered a single word: “Intense.”
