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Risk in Context Podcast: Prioritizing mental health to enhance aviation safety

Listen to aviation specialists discuss the critical importance for the aviation industry to prioritize its people’s mental health.

04/07/2026 · 2 minute read

The safety and effectiveness of the aviation industry depend heavily on its people, underscoring the importance of stakeholders taking action to help safeguard the mental health and well-being of pilots, cabin crew, engineers, air traffic controllers, and other safety-critical personnel.

Central to improving mental well-being and identifying potential challenges early is the creation of a culture that empowers individuals to voice concerns, admit errors, and seek support without fear of judgment or career repercussions. Breaking down the longstanding barriers of stigma is essential to fostering open dialogue and early intervention, ultimately safeguarding both employees and the integrity of the entire aviation system.

In this episode of Risk in Context, Captain Andy James, Marsh’s Aviation Operational Risk Consulting Leader, speaks with Dr. Wolfgang Seidl, workplace health expert and board advisor, and Kimberly Perkins, PhD, an airline pilot, researcher, and co-founder of InVolo. They discuss the critical importance for the aviation industry to prioritize its people’s mental health and share actions that organizations can consider, which will be covered in more depth during Marsh’s Aviation Summit.

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Key takeaways

Mental health and psychological safety are critical operational priorities

The aviation industry must prioritize mental well-being alongside physical safety, recognizing that psychological safety — where employees feel empowered to speak up without fear of stigma — is essential to maintaining high operational performance and safety standards across all roles, from pilots to air traffic controllers.

Integrated mental health pathways and peer support help improve outcomes

Comprehensive mental health programs combining employee assistance programs, peer-to-peer support, and stepped care pathways have demonstrated measurable benefits, including reductions in mental health claims and improved therapy outcomes, underscoring the value of multi-layered, evidence-based support systems in aviation.

Emerging technologies can transform mental health management

AI-enabled tools offer confidential, accessible early intervention options that complement existing support programs, while ongoing research and collaboration through industry coalitions aim to close knowledge gaps and embed mental health risk management into aviation safety systems, driving continuous improvement and resilience.

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