Air transport leadership and governance are crucial forces shaping every aspect of the aviation industry. Traditionally viewed in isolation, these two areas are, in fact, deeply interconnected, with their synergy influencing various levels of industry operations and strategy. This interplay is particularly evident in scenarios such as air route development, where essential attributes like partnership, strategic planning, communication, and risk-sharing converge to create robust business environments (Spasojevic et al., 2019). Similarly, in aviation safety, the effectiveness of governance systems is directly linked to leadership style, underscoring the importance of a leader's ability to articulate the organisation's vision and implement effective strategic planning and risk management systems (Ayiei et al., 2020). These examples highlight the necessity of approaching leadership and governance as complementary forces that enhance operational efficiency and strategic adaptability. This Handbook explores these broader engagements of leadership and governance, emphasising their collective impact on shaping industry practices.