In the world of aviation, each flight is the result of back-end coordination, fueled by individuals working behind the scenes without fanfare. This is the domain of logistics and demand planning with a mix of foresight and leadership that has been revolutionized by Mahnoor Khokhar. In an industry historically stuck in traditional ways of thinking, she is writing a saga about what leadership looks like, with analytical brilliance merged with emotional intelligence.
Mahnoor’s story starts, however, not in a boardroom but on the perimeter of an air base as a little girl, captivated by the thunderous roar of takeoff for the fighter jets. That first moment, replete with potential, ignited the curiosity to understand the mechanics and coordination that went into each flight, evolving into a glittering career committed to demystifying the complexity of operations.
Foundations of Vision
Raised with dreams of flying, Mahnoor’s initial ambition was to become a pilot. However, her journey led elsewhere: into the backbone of aviation that makes every flight possible. Early on, she entered airline maintenance supply chain operations, learning how meticulous attention to parts and logistics keeps aircraft running safely and on time. These years honed her discipline and problem-solving instincts, teaching her that a single missing piece can reverberate across an entire network.
After five pivotal years across various maintenance logistics roles, Mahnoor Khokharjoined Porter Airlines in the tumultuous period after the COVID-19 pandemic began to recede. Starting as Supervisor of Stores and Inventory Control, she managed critical aspects of Porter’s Dash 8 fleet, ensuring parts, tools, and deadlines were consistently met. Her attention to detail and reliability helped build a robust operational foundation.
Her progression continued as she advanced to Manager, focusing on strengthening and expanding maintenance and inventory systems. As Porter’s network complexity grew, so did the demand for strategic, data-driven logistics. Today, as Manager of Demand Planning and Logistics Optimization, she orchestrates network-wide planning, ensuring the right resources move flawlessly across multiple bases.
Education as a Compass
For Mahnoor, ongoing education has provided direction and adaptability. She started with an Advanced Diploma in Aviation Management from Georgian College, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Business Administration from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, graduating Summa Cum Laude in 2022. Her academic journey continued in 2024 with a Master’s program at Embry-Riddle, focusing on logistics management, operations, and risk management. She now studies advanced practices in selling and delivering customer solutions, blending operational efficiency with a customer-centric approach. Each educational milestone enhanced her ability to address the intricacies and evolving nature of her role at Porter.
The Essence of Aviation Operations
It isn’t the technicalities alone that drew Mahnoor Khokhar deeply into logistics and demand planning, but the impact these disciplines have on the core of aviation. When logistics and demand planning are done correctly, planes take off on schedule, maintenance goes smoothly, and businesses thrive without much fuss.
She thrives at the intersection of structure and unpredictability that defines logistics. Each day in operations is a new challenge, demanding adaptation to delayed shipments, parts shortages, and customs complications. Mahnoor Khokhar finds purpose in transforming operational chaos into clarity, driven by a passion for optimization and data-driven collaboration. Logistics remains a field in permanent evolution, presenting constant opportunities to rethink and improve systems.
Leadership Forged in Precision
Logistics has been the crucible where Mahnoor’s leadership principles were formed. Precision is non-negotiable; small missteps can cause major disruptions. This environment has ingrained discipline, clarity, and a commitment to purposeful communication.
Her leadership philosophy rests on three pillars:
- Transparency: Keeping every team member informed, even during setbacks, empowers quick adaptation and accountability.
- Anticipation: Years of experience have built her capacity to foresee and prevent issues, treating logistics like a game of chess where every move has future implications.
- Composure: In aviation, unpredictability is inevitable. Mahnoor Khokhar models calm and measured leadership during high-pressure moments, setting the tone for effective problem-solving.
These principles are coupled with humility- a recognition that even the best plans may confront unexpected hurdles. In such moments, collaboration and team empowerment become even more valuable.
Breaking Barriers with Grace
Mahnoor Khokhar has regularly proven herself with her dedication and creative maneuvers. For her, earning credibility has always been about preparation, clarity, and consistent performance rather than seeking to stand out for its own sake. In a results-driven environment like aviation, reliability and competence naturally foster trust and respect.
She elevates her impact by fostering a voice through thoughtfulness and presence rather than volume. Asking insightful questions, supporting colleagues, and demonstrating accountability have become her trademarks. The obstacles she has encountered, such as tough leadership throughout her career, only strengthened her determination to lead with compassion, honesty, and strength.
One lesson Mahnoor Khokhar holds close is from Don Miguel Ruiz: “Don’t take anything personally. Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won’t be the victim of needless suffering.” She understands that influencing inclusion is not about fighting stereotypes but consistently building environments where trust and excellence speak louder than biases.
Crisis as Catalyst
The turning point in Mahnoor’s career was unexpected: a layoff at the beginning of the pandemic. With the industry in turmoil, she paused to reflect and chose to lean into her calling rather than step away. She began her bachelor’s degree at Embry-Riddle at just the right moment, using the global slowdown to deepen her expertise. Graduating with honors, joining Porter Airlines, and being selected for the Northern Lights Aero Foundation Junior Board, all followed as affirmations of her resilience and timing.
Innovating Through Digital Transformation
Mahnoor’s perspective on innovation is practical: the value of technology comes from solving real issues. At Porter, she has spearheaded digital transformation initiatives, such as integrating AMOS with Kardex Vertical Lift Modules, which cut transaction times and enhanced accuracy in maintenance operations. Her team’s development of a digital inventory count app illustrates her focus on making everyday processes faster, more transparent, and user-friendly.
To her, digitalization is a cultural shift as much as a technical one. She champions trust, training, and clear communication, engaging her team from inception to implementation. Building understanding and buy-in ensures technological advances are sustainable over the long term.
Balancing Data and Humanity
While Mahnoor Khokhar is inherently analytical, she believes that true insight emerges when data is combined with human context. Data clarifies trends, but conversations reveal causes, such as communication issues or workload pressures, that raw numbers cannot. Decision-making under her leadership always involves dialogue, ensuring that solutions are both robust and trusted. When mistakes occur, her approach is to focus on learning, fostering psychological safety that forms the basis for continuous improvement.
Mentoring the Next Generation
Although she didn’t plan to become a role model, Mahnoor’s journey and visibility have naturally made her one, especially for young women in aviation. Through roles in Women Soar Porter, Upper Canada Chapter of Women in Aviation International, Air Cadets, and the Northern Lights Aero Foundation Junior Board, she expands opportunities for those who often doubt they belong.
Her mentoring roles include VP and outreach leadership within Northern Lights, organizing mentorship connections, and supporting Girls in Aviation Day. Within Porter, she co-led Women Soar through post-pandemic recovery, raising substantial charitable contributions and building inclusive community bonds. Now, even after stepping back from formal leadership, she remains committed to supporting upcoming generations.
A Dream Redirected
While proud of her logistics career, Mahnoor Khokhar sometimes wonders about paths not taken, particularly her early dream to become a pilot. Financial hurdles rendered that dream impractical, and she only later discovered programs like Royal Canadian Air Cadets, which could have made it accessible.
Undeterred, she joined the 713 Thunderbolt Squadron as a civilian volunteer, teaching and encouraging youth in aviation. Serving as an Assistant Training Officer, she helps design engaging training activities. She’s dedicated to ensuring the community is more aware of such opportunities, so others won’t miss out for lack of information.
Building Resilient Systems
Mahnoor Khokhar believes efficiency is about doing things better, not merely faster. Her ethos is rooted in resilience, creating systems that weather volatility and adapt to unforeseen challenges. During global shipping crises, she prioritized not just alternate routes but structural redundancy, diversified supply, and robust contingency planning. Such strategic decisions ensured continuity and reduced the need for expensive reactionary measures.
Her work at Porter includes environmental initiatives: reducing packaging waste, reusing components, and recycling materials, all reflections of long-term sustainability thinking. For her, efficiency is not a static achievement, but an evolving mindset.
The Power of Composure
Amid unpredictable challenges, delayed shipments, system outages, or urgent operational changes, Mahnoor’s anchor is composure. Remaining calm allows her team to stay focused, think clearly, and collaborate on solutions. Over the years, composure has become her signature, turning potential chaos into calm, strategic action.
Redefining Leadership Standards
In Mahnoor’s view, women’s leadership in aviation combines strength and sensitivity, bringing balance often absent in traditional approaches. Holistic thinking, a focus on people as well as numbers, and a commitment to sustainability characterize the most effective leaders.
She sees the future of leadership as guided not by authority, but by authenticity and inclusivity. Women in aviation are not just breaking barriers, but they are redefining them by mentoring each other and evolving the very standards of leadership in the industry. For Mahnoor, effective leadership means creating inclusive environments, fostering collaboration, and anchoring decisions in integrity.
A Vision for Tomorrow
Mahnoor’s ambitions reach beyond representation. She’s focused on legacy, leaving the field more inclusive and dynamic than she found it. In her current strategic work at Porter, she is building systems to optimize logistics for long-term growth, aligning operations across multiple bases, and preparing for new challenges.
Her ultimate goal is to see aviation logistics achieve the sophistication of flight operations, blending data, technology, and human judgment seamlessly. She wants logistics teams to be valued as strategic innovators, not just operational support. Moreover, her commitment to education and mentorship is ongoing, working to ensure future generations, particularly women, see themselves reflected in every facet of aviation.
If she has the chance to serve more actively as an ambassador for women’s rights, Mahnoor Khokhar will gladly step into that role, believing it’s time to move past outdated judgments and truly value individuals for their ideas, integrity, and impact.
She aspires to be remembered as a courageous leader- one who built bridges between community and industry, inspired lasting change, and demonstrated that leadership is about creating something that thrives beyond one’s own career.
A Personal Dedication
Mahnoor Khokhar concludes with a tribute to her parents: their sacrifices, love, and encouragement have shaped every step of her journey. She promises to honor their legacy, whether fighting for change or listening to their wisdom, by carrying those values forward and striving to make a difference.
