Historic flight lands at Brisbane Airport to mark International Women's Day

Company Brisbane Airport
Date 08.03.2023

The first flight dispatched, operated and handled entirely by women has landed at Brisbane Airport this morning to mark International Women’s Day. 

Virgin Australia’s VA313 from Melbourne entered the history books, when it arrived at Gate 46 at Brisbane’s Domestic Terminal.

Female roles for VA313 include:

  • Captain
  • First Office
  • Cabin Manager
  • Cabin Crew
  • Leading Hand
  • Foxtrot
  • Pushback Driver
  • Loading
  • Guest Services
  • Flight Dispatch
  • Load Control
  • Cleaners
  • Airside Safety Officer
  • Air Traffic Controller
  • Australian Federal Police
  • BNE Domestic Terminal Manager

The slice of history was a collaboration between Brisbane based Virgin Australia, Melbourne Airport and Brisbane Airport.

“There isn’t a single role across aviation that women can’t do and today’s flight proves that. I look forward to a time when seeing women across aviation isn’t extraordinary, it’s the everyday,” according to Jane Dionysius, Executive General Manager of Human Resources at Brisbane Airport Corporation.

“International Women’s Day 2023 is about Cracking the Code. Initiatives like today where the industry works together to provide young women with a powerful visual reminder, the sky is not the limit.”

Virgin Australia Chief People Officer, Lisa Burquest said the flight highlighted how far aviation has come in terms of gender diversity and showcased the opportunities available to women interested in pursuing a career in the industry.

“This flight is a celebration of all the incredible women who continue to pave a path for future generations to pursue a career in this exciting and dynamic industry and I am thrilled to see it come to life in collaboration with our partners.”

Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus said she hoped the flight would inspire more women to work in aviation.

“There are plenty of diverse and exciting career opportunities spanning airports, airlines and air traffic control, from engineering, maintenance and safety positions, pilots, and cabin crew to corporate and commercial roles.”

Airservices Australia CEO Jason Harfield said the organsiation is proudly supporting VA313 to shine a light on the power of what women can achieve across aviation and all industries.

“From our air traffic management services through to our Aviation Rescue Fire Fighting Service or engineering or information technology roles, there are a myriad of exciting, dynamic and flexible career opportunities for women at Airservices,” Mr Hartfield said.

In Brisbane, Airservices Australia air traffic controller Laura Willard, a former Virgin Australia Cabin Crew member, will give VA313 approval to land.

“Aviation is a very dynamic role for both men and women. The all-female Virgin flight service highlights the power of what women can achieve, across aviation, and all industries. I hope we can inspire the next generation of aerospace leaders to be inclusive and diverse.”

Queensland has a proud past and future when it comes to championing women in aviation.

At Brisbane Airport, Ivy May Way is named Ivy May Hassard, one of the first female pilots in the Southern Hemisphere in the 1930s. Born in Ipswich, she was one of the first acrobatic pilots by age 18 on the Gold Coast.

“Not only was she a pioneering aviatrix, but Ivy May also opened the first fashion boutique in Surfers Paradise proving aviation and style and have long gone hand in hand,” says Jane Dionysius from Brisbane Airport.

Brisbane Airport is also home to the FAME (Female Aircraft Maintenance Engineer), which is training the next generation of women at Aviation Australia. Graduates from this program are readily snapped up at maintenance hangers across Brisbane Airport. Virgin Australia is a FAME industry partner.

Contact

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