Women Driving Culture This Week

Women are not just part of the conversation—they are leading it, shaping the trends, and making the key decisions that propel the industry forward. Their influence is being felt in the aviation industry in subtle ways. Here is what that looked like this week:

Discuss: From Runway to Runway - How Aviation Inspired Kiko Kostadinov's Paris Fashion Week Showcase

"The women we become are a reflection of the places we've been," said Laura Fanning and Deanna Fanning as they unveiled Kiko Kostadinov's aviation-inspired Spring 2025 collection at Paris Fashion Week. The collection took inspiration from the golden age of air travel—when flying was a glamorous and exclusive experience. The Fanning sisters reimagined classic pilot and flight attendant uniforms, giving them a modern twist that felt fresh and relevant.

One of the key themes was the aviator, with sharp suits and badges that evoked the sleek uniforms of mid-century pilots. These outfits captured the elegance and professionalism of air travel's past while still feeling modern and wearable today. The flight attendants also looked outstanding, with pillbox hats and wired scarves that seemed to float in the air, symbolizing air travel's constant motion and energy. It was a nod to the excitement of being in transit and a reminder of how impactful those iconic airline uniforms were.

The collection also featured flight suit-inspired pieces, with practical designs reminiscent of what pilots and crew wore but with a stylish, contemporary edge. These pieces conveyed a sense of adventure and readiness for anything—much like the women who wear them. It was interesting to see how much aviation continues to influence fashion, even during Paris Fashion Week, where the past and future of air travel are met on the runway. READ MORE

MY TAKE: Kiko Kostadinov's Spring 2025 collection at Paris Fashion Week beautifully captured the enduring impact of aviation on fashion. The Fanning sisters took inspiration from the past but made it feel relevant for today, highlighting how iconic airline uniforms continue to inspire. The collection celebrates women who are always on the move, balancing elegance with practicality, and it's a perfect reminder of how our physical and personal journeys shape who we are. The timeless appeal of aviation fashion was on full display, blending nostalgia with a forward-thinking approach.

Explore: U.S. Rep. Peltola Secures Aviation Funding for Alaska Amid Personal Loss and Unique Infrastructure Needs

In a recent conversation with The Sun Star, U.S. Representative Mary Sattler Peltola discussed the significant challenges Alaska faces, particularly in aviation, and highlighted her efforts to improve aviation safety and infrastructure in the state. Alaska's aviation system is vital to the state's connectivity, with 82% of communities being inaccessible by road. Peltola emphasized that Alaska lags "at least 100 or 200 years" behind the Lower 48 in infrastructure development, making aviation essential for transportation and delivering goods and services.

One of Peltola's major accomplishments in her first term was pushing through a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization bill in May alongside Senators Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski. This legislation secured federal funding for enhanced aviation safety, airport improvements, and a six-year waiver on banning leaded aviation fuels. Although Peltola aimed for a 10-year exemption for leaded fuels, the compromise was critical in supporting Alaska's older planes, which often cannot operate efficiently on unleaded gas.

The importance of aviation safety resonates deeply with Peltola, who experienced a personal tragedy when her husband, Eugene "Buzzy" Peltola Jr., tragically died in a small plane crash in September 2023. Despite the devastating loss, Peltola has continued her work to address Alaska's unique aviation needs, ensuring that critical funding is allocated to enhance the state's safety measures and infrastructure. Her connection to the issue underscores the urgency and importance of these improvements for Alaska's aviation-dependent communities. READ MORE

MY TAKE: Peltola's dedication to addressing Alaska's unique aviation needs showcases her understanding of the state's dependence on air travel. Her ability to secure federal funding and navigate compromises on key aviation policies, especially in light of her loss, highlights her resilience and pragmatic approach. The FAA Reauthorization bill she helped pass is a significant achievement supporting Alaska's aviation infrastructure and safety, making her efforts even more impactful given her family's connection to aviation.

Understand: Liz Funderburgh Champions Agriculture's Role in Sustainable Aviation Fuel

Liz Funderburgh , an Ohio farmer and board member of the Ohio Corn and Wheat Growers Association , is at the heart of a growing collaboration between agriculture and aviation. As the aviation industry pushes for sustainability, Funderburgh sees major opportunities for U.S. corn farmers through the rise of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). In an interview with Brownfield Ag News recently, Funderburgh said, "There's so much more that goes into sustainable aviation fuel than just producing the corn. Farmers must keep producing, and when there's a market, they'll be ready to fill it."

Recently, Funderburgh worked with her organization to engage key players in Washington, D.C., including biofuels companies, ethanol plants, and legal experts. The goal was to explore how SAF can be produced at scale using corn and ethanol and ensure that farmers have a seat at the table in shaping the future of sustainable fuel production. These discussions highlighted the increasing alignment between agriculture and aviation in the push for greener alternatives, focusing on ethanol's potential to power air travel.

For agriculture, this growing SAF market could mean new revenue streams as the demand for corn rises to meet the needs of the aviation sector. For aviation, integrating SAF is a vital step toward reducing emissions and achieving long-term sustainability. Funderburgh is playing a key role in ensuring that farmers are included and positioned to take full advantage of these opportunities. New policies and infrastructure are likely to emerge as SAF production expands. READ MORE

MY TAKE: Liz Funderburgh is emerging as a leading voice at the intersection of agriculture and aviation in the transition to sustainable fuels. She is helping to ensure that U.S. farmers benefit from this new market while contributing to the aviation industry's environmental goals. By advocating for farmers in these discussions, Funderburg is driving progress that can play a crucial role in the future of sustainable travel.