In a post shared on social media, a female pilot from the UK recounted her journey of chasing her dreams in the male-dominated aviation industry and ultimately realizing them. She encouraged other women to bravely dream big, explore the careers they desire, and not worry about whether it is a male-dominated field.
The pilot, named Jenna from Manchester, UK, revealed that her passion for flying started at a young age. Her father used to take her to a bar at Manchester Airport every weekend to watch planes. After their first family vacation and her first airplane ride, she knew that aviation was the career she wanted to pursue. Since then, she never gave up on that dream.
Recently graduated from flight school, Jenna landed her first job flying a Boeing 737 aircraft, describing the experience as surreal. She began her flight training in January 2023, spending 8 months in Phoenix, Arizona, learning to fly. She cherished the time spent flying a small PA28 aircraft over the desert every morning.
While her time at flight school was filled with wonderful memories, Jenna acknowledged the challenges she faced, including rejections and determination to reach her current level. To aspiring female pilots, she advised them to pursue their dreams despite the challenges that may arise in the aviation industry.
She emphasized that with passion, anyone, regardless of gender, can find their place on the flight deck. Jenna highlighted the inclusivity of the aviation industry and the supportive community she found within it.
According to a report by the BBC last year, only about 9% of pilots worldwide are women, with the percentage still below 10%. Kate Newton, a female pilot at easyJet from Bristol, also encourages women to pursue their dreams in aviation. Newton, coming from a family of pilots, shared her journey and emphasized that passion is key to becoming a pilot, regardless of gender.
Newton expressed pride in being a female pilot and in the efforts of easyJet’s staff to make aviation more accessible to everyone. With approximately 7.5% of female pilots in the UK flying for easyJet, including 99 captains, the airline is working towards a more diverse aviation industry.
Despite the lucrative salaries of pilots, many women still face barriers to entering the profession. Newton believes that perceptions are changing, and both society and the industry need to continue to support and empower women in aviation. She reflects on her role as a female pilot with pride and acknowledges the dedication of easyJet’s staff in paving the way for more individuals to take flight in the aviation industry.