A Bond Beyond Business: A Tribute to the Life and Impact of Norma Lantz
As we routinely do at HPM, we come back from conferences or tradeshows, write an internal trip report, and also provide a recap of the event to post on our blog. For Verticon 2025, the events as well as the timing afford us the opportunity to pay respects to and shine all the light on a dear friend of HPM and an aerospace colleague who left us too early in life and only two weeks after we all gathered.
In the fast-paced, high-stakes world of aerospace, where women are still forging paths in a traditionally male-dominated industry, true female friendships can be a rare and precious thing. For Andi Sims, Vice President of Business Development at HPM and Norma Lantz, Executive Vice President of Airframer Sales and Marketing at Safran, their relationship was a testament to the power of sisterhood, mentorship and unwavering support. It was never just about business; it was personal.
Tragically, Norma passed away recently, leaving behind an indelible legacy of strength, kindness and leadership. Just days before her passing, Andi and Norma had shared a special moment at Verticon 2025 in Dallas, where Andi spoke at the Safran-sponsored IAWA Connect. Norma, ever the champion of women in aerospace, introduced Andi with deep emotion, a reflection of the profound respect and love they had for each other. That moment, filled with admiration and gratitude, now stands as a poignant memory of their remarkable friendship.
A Friendship Rooted in Connection
Andi and Norma’s story began through the International Aerospace Women’s Association (IAWA), an organization dedicated to advancing women in the industry. But their connection quickly transcended professional networking; it became a sisterhood. Norma, who once called Paris home for a couple of years, was the one who introduced Andi to the City of Light, taking her through the streets she loved, sharing her favorite spots, and ensuring Andi felt the magic of Paris through her eyes. It wasn’t just a tour—it was an invitation into her world, a gesture of the generosity that defined Norma.
Over the years, their friendship deepened. They sought opportunities to spend time together, whether for business or for personal encouragement. They were each other’s sounding boards, cheerleaders and confidantes, navigating the complexities of leadership in an industry where women often have to fight for their seat at the table. They understood the challenges, the victories, the sacrifices and the triumphs that came with being women in aerospace, and they faced them together.
When Friendship Becomes Family
For Andi and Norma, their bond extended beyond professional support—it was family. One of the most telling examples of Norma’s unwavering loyalty and generosity happened during a freak snowstorm in Texas. When Andi’s daughter was stranded at the airport, Norma and her husband didn’t hesitate. They braved treacherous conditions to pick her up, offering her a safe place to stay until the storm passed and her flight could resume. It was a selfless act, but for Norma, it was simply what you did for the people you loved.
Norma was a force—effortlessly weaving between the corporate boardrooms of Safran and the networking events of industry conferences and airshows, where she embraced life to the fullest. She had an innate ability to make everyone feel like they were her best friend, and for many, she truly was. She was the woman who lifted others up, who celebrated their victories, who shared their burdens. She was a mentor, an advocate, a beacon of positivity in an industry that can be relentless.
A Lasting Legacy
The last time Andi saw Norma, she watched her glide into a crowd at a customer event in Dallas, dancing with abandon to “Dancing Queen.” That final image—Norma, joyful and free, embracing the moment—perfectly encapsulates who she was. She lived fully, loved deeply and gave selflessly.
Her passing is a profound loss for her loving husband, her precious family and friends, her colleagues at Safran, and for many in her network around the world. But her legacy lives on in the countless lives Norma touched. For Andi and for many others at HPM, her friendship was a gift. The aerospace industry may have lost a titan, but the imprint Norma left will never fade.
In the end, the story of these two women is a reminder that the best business relationships aren’t just about deals and projects—they’re about people. It’s not business; it’s personal. And that’s exactly how Norma Lantz lived her extraordinary life!
