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Women in aviation came together celebrating greater diversity across a range of occupations on International Women’s Day

The Australian Chapter of Women in Aviation International (WAI) partnered with the local industry to highlight the roles of female professionals in flight decks, aircraft cabins, airports and air traffic control across the country.

On International Women’s Day (8 March) 10 domestic flights took off under the control of an all-female flight crews assisted on their journey by female air traffic controllers, ground operation support and dispatch, cabin crews and more. WAI has collaborated with Airservices Australia, Qantas, Cobham and Jetstar, to launch these flights and highlight the diverse range of occupations open to women in the aviation fields.

WAI is a non-profit group run by women with careers in aviation who are passionate about empowering and educating all those involved aviation and aerospace. The group has a special focus on encouraging women of all ages to consider aviation as a career.

These flights had been made possible through the collaboration of women and operators across the industry who have came together to celebrate the contributions of female professionals across the aviation sector.

WAI Australia President pilot Lea Vesic said, “The first time I realised becoming a pilot could be a career option for me was when I heard a female captain over the P.A. on my flight. Hearing her voice helped me picture myself in her position.

“We know the next generation looks for role models to show them what they can aspire to. Being able to show a diverse workforce opens up the world of aviation to every young girl or boy who turns their head to the sky.

The first female Royal Australian Air Force pilots were Flight Lieutenant Robyn Williams and Officer Cadet Deborah Hicks. Both graduated from the same flying course (No 144 PLTCSE) on 30 June 1988. Defence image

“In an industry that has historically been male-dominated, small but meaningful examples like our all-female flight crews on International Women’s Day shows how far we’ve come and celebrate the skilled women who are part of Australian aviation.”

Female RAAF pilots

As at February 2019, there were 752 pilots in the trained permanent Air Force, 38 of whom were women (around 5.05%). There were 498 Officer Aviation Cadets under training, 126 of whom were women (25.3%).

Female RAAF aircrew

As at February 2019, there were 250 female Officer Aviation and Airmen aircrew in the Air Force, with another 143 undergoing training. This includes Officer Aviation jobs such as: • fast jet and fixed wing pilots • air battle management, airborne electronics, air mobility, maritime patrol and response, and weapons systems officers • Air Traffic Controllers, and • Officer Cadet Trainees. It also includes Airmen Aircrew jobs such as: • Airborne Electronic Analysts • Crew Attendants, and Loadmasters

Air Force sponsored flying scholarships

Each year the Chief of Air Force awards two scholarships to young women under the age of 24. The scholarship is designed to assist young women in the costs of pursuing a career in aviation.

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