When Angela Gittens stepped onto the stage at the San Francisco Aeronautical
Society’s (SFAS) Annual Gala Dinner, the crowd rose with warmth and excitement. The
applause wasn’t just for her extraordinary career — it was for her homecoming, to the
very airport where it all began.

“Angela began her aviation career at SFO in 1983 and went on to lead two major U.S.
airports and serve as Director General of Airports Council International,” said John L.
Martin, President of the Aeronautical Society Board. “Her leadership helped shape the
future of global air travel, with lasting impact on safety, service, and professional
development across the industry.”

The Society’s 2025 Annual Achievement in Aviation Award celebrated Gittens’s lifetime
of leadership, mentorship, and trailblazing achievements in airport management.

“A Dazzling Business of Aviation”

Accepting the award beneath the gleaming art deco arches of the Louis A. Turpen
Aviation Museum, Gittens was both gracious and funny. “It’s been an honor and a
pleasure to serve on the San Francisco Aeronautical Society Board,” she said with a
grin. “But I assure you, I had no hand in deciding to give me this award!”

She dedicated the honor to her mentor and the museum’s namesake, Louis A. Turpen,
who “brought me into this dazzling business of aviation and mentored me into positions
and success beyond my tenure at SFO.”

Then came one of the night’s most memorable moments — a “Turpenism” that drew
laughter across the room. “Sometimes one has to be stealthy. They’ll never know what
happened until the rabbit dies,” she recalled. “It taught me you can’t always drive
straight to the goal — but you must stay focused on it.”

Leading With Purpose

From her start at SFO to leading airports in Atlanta and Miami, and then
guiding Airports Council International, Gittens’ impact has stretched across continents.
“It takes every sector within the aviation ecosystem to get results,” she said. “People
dedicated to ensuring that the world’s communities reap the benefits that aviation
brings.”

Martin reflected on what makes her leadership unique. “Angela has an extraordinary
ability to bring people together — from regulators to airport teams to international
leaders — and help them find shared purpose,” he said. “She reminds us that aviation
is, at its heart, about connection.”

The Values That Lift Us

To close her speech, Gittens turned personal. “My parents instilled in me a strong sense
of integrity — work hard, do a good job, and be kind,” she said. Now aged 107 and 108,
and recently recognized by Guinness World Records as the longest-married couple in
the world, she smiled and added, “Doesn’t hurt to have good genes!”

Martin summed up what many in the room felt.  “Angela embodies the very best of what
this award represents,” he said. “Her career reflects not only professional excellence,
but the courage, generosity, and mentorship that lifts others. She’s an inspiration to all
of us — and especially here at SFO, where her journey first took flight.”

Congratulations Angela Gittens!

 

By Vanessa Guerra

A large crowd gathered at the Louis A. Turpen Aviation Museum to honor this year’s Achievement in Aviation Award recipient, Sara Nelson. Known for her passionate advocacy and unwavering commitment to workers’ rights, Nelson has become a pivotal figure in steering the aviation industry toward a more equitable future. Her career, which began as a flight attendant, has blossomed into a beacon of hope for many in the aviation sector.

A Night to Remember

The evening was filled with excitement and elegance. Gala participants dressed in their evening attire and adorned with bright smiles, eagerly awaited Nelson’s arrival. The atmosphere was electric, with anticipation building to hear from the guest of honor herself.  “I’m thrilled that we are honoring a woman like Sara Nelson; she’s an inspiration to us all. I admire her passion,” Gala attendee Jocelyn Miller said.

SFAS President John Martin gave a welcome speech highlighting the World Wings International Members in attendance, the recent acquisition and donation of historic flight attendant uniforms to the SFO Museum, and the Pan Am film collection!   Samuel Scott, the Curator of Collections, Aviation at SFO Museum, gave a moving speech celebrating flight attendants as often the “unsung heroes” of the aviation industry. His words resonated with many, highlighting the crucial yet often overlooked contributions of those who ensure our safety and comfort in the skies.

The fun continued with a savory dinner, and a lively fund raiser auction with enticing prizes. Attendees bid on sought-after experiences such as a round of golf for four at the prestigious Olympic Club, round-trip tickets on Southwest Airlines, JetBlue, Alaska and Hawaiian airlines, and a Napa Valley Wine Country adventure.

The Importance of the Pan Am Film Collection, raising funds to digitize

In addition to honoring Nelson, the SFAS spotlighted another of its significant initiatives: the preservation of the Pan Am film collection acquired last year, thanks to Edward Trippe, chairman of the Pan Am Historical Foundation. The donation of an estimated 700 titles and footage spanning over six decades, from 1927 through 1991 to the SFO museum is intended for public sharing and as such, needs to be digitized and safeguarded for generations to come.  Thanks to the generosity of those attending the event, a significant amount of money was raised during the Fund-A-Need paddle raise that will be put towards these efforts.   To read more about the Pan Am film donation and learn how you can contribute to this vital preservation effort, click here (insert link https://sfaero.org/event/movie-night-at-sfo-pan-am-on-film/).

SFAS would like to express its gratitude to all of the generous sponsors and donors who made the evening such a memorable one.  The Society also invites all who share its mission to help preserve the history of aviation through educational programs and acquisition of artifacts to become members and get involved.  Be sure to follow The Society on social media and visit our website  www.sfaero.org for the latest news, information, activities, and to donate. Together, let’s continue to honor the past while celebrating the achievements of today.