In Talks With: Andrea Peña Niño – Country Sales Manager, United Airlines Argentina

In this edition of In Talks With, we had the pleasure of speaking with Andrea Peña Niño, Country Sales Manager of United Airlines Argentina. A Gold Corporate Sponsor of the Chamber, United Airlines continues to play an important role within our community. Andrea shared insights from her 15+ years at the company, her experiences leading the local team, and her perspective on aviation, female leadership, and connecting markets.

Andrea began her career at United Airlines attracted by the airline’s prestige and leadership in the industry. “Over time, I was captivated by its global vision and purpose of connecting people and bringing the world together,” she said. What has kept her motivated throughout the years is the opportunity to grow professionally in a constantly evolving company, surrounded by a passionate team.

She assumed the role of Country Sales Manager in 2020, just before the pandemic, facing significant challenges amid global aviation restrictions. Andrea highlights that during that period, “I learned that empathy and transparent communication are essential to lead in difficult times. I also confirmed the value of resilience and teamwork as a driving force to come out stronger.” She emphasizes that these lessons were crucial to keeping the team motivated and maintaining an optimistic outlook.

During the pandemic, United Airlines in Argentina adapted by focusing on customer proximity and adopting more agile, collaborative processes. Andrea emphasizes that these experiences reinforced the importance of flexibility, active listening, and teamwork.

Throughout her career, Andrea progressed from Account Manager to leadership positions, noting that curiosity, empathy, relationship-building, and guidance from mentors were key to her growth. “Leadership is not just about achieving results; it’s about supporting, inspiring, and developing people,” she said.

Among the initiatives she is most proud of is “Girls in Aviation Day”, a program by United Airlines in partnership with Women in Aviation International (WAI) that seeks to inspire girls to pursue careers in aviation. Andrea stresses that showing role models early on is crucial to break stereotypes and broaden horizons.

Andrea has observed progress in women’s participation in aviation and tourism, though challenges remain in leadership and technical roles. As Co-Chair of WCD Argentina (Women Corporate Directors), she actively works to promote women in leadership positions across the industry. She shares:

“For example, the proportion of female pilots increased from 3.6% in 2016 to 4% in 2022, and nearly half of the new workers in the aviation industry between 2021 and 2023 were women. In tourism, women represent more than 50% of the workforce, although their presence in leadership positions remains limited.”

Her advice to young women: trust your potential, challenge yourself, be authentic, and build support networks—every step opens doors for you and those who follow.

Andrea also highlights the important role of chambers like ATCC in strengthening bilateral ties between Argentina and the United States. “They promote dialogue, cooperation, and create spaces for public and private sector collaboration, building trust and tangible opportunities,” she said. According to Andrea, ATCC helps professionals and companies expand their networks, develop new business opportunities, and connect strategically across sectors. She emphasizes that ATCC plays a key role in bridging industries such as aviation, energy, and technology, promoting knowledge exchange, innovation, and collaboration.

Looking ahead, Andrea sees opportunities for United Airlines in Argentina with increased connectivity, sustained growth in corporate and leisure travel, and the chance to foster long-term relationships between the two countries. Her message is inspiring: leading with empathy, collaboration, and authenticity allows you to leave a positive impact on people and the business community.