Brigitte Howe, second officer on the Boeing 787, expressed her pride in being part of this initiative and highlighted the talent present at Qantas and Jetstar. “It is inspiring to see so much talent coming together at Qantas and Jetstar, demonstrating that it is possible to develop a successful career in aviation. I hope these actions will motivate future generations to consider this career path,” said Howe.
For her part, Captain Lizzie Archibald, Jetstar's senior manager of flight operations, emphasized female leadership at the airline. “We have women in key positions within the company, setting an example for new generations. This initiative brings visibility to the variety of careers available in aviation, from pilots to engineers, and highlights the valuable female contribution to the industry,” said Archibald.
The aviation industry has traditionally been dominated by men, especially in technical roles such as pilots and engineers. Globally, men account for around 96% of pilots and 97% of engineers. In the Qantas Group, 93% of pilots and 96% of engineers are male. Recognizing this disparity, the Group has implemented various initiatives to address the gender imbalance and encourage greater female representation in these fields.
Measures taken by the Qantas Group to promote gender equality include:
Qantas Group Pilot Academy: the number of scholarships has been doubled to 20 for female and First Nations students, thereby broadening the talent pool.
Qantas Group Engineering Academy: This year, women make up 20% of the new apprentice cohort, marking a significant step towards diversifying the engineering sector. In addition, a record 35% of Jetstar's engineering graduates in 2025 are women.
School outreach programs: The Qantas Group is committed to attracting more women to careers in aviation through school outreach programs and work experience opportunities, encouraging interest in STEM subjects from an early age.
Altitude Network: This employee-led network supports, educates and advocates for women across the Group to achieve gender equality.
Catherine Walsh, Qantas Group Chief People Officer, highlighted the importance of these initiatives. “While progress is being made, change will not happen overnight. It all starts in our schools. We are expanding our school outreach to promote aviation as a career and encourage girls to dream big when it comes to their career future and pursue their interests in STEM,” Walsh said.
Qantas and Jetstar's celebration of International Women's Day not only highlights the contribution of women in aviation, but also seeks to inspire the next generation to explore careers in this dynamic sector. By showcasing women in key operational roles, the initiative challenges stereotypes and promotes greater diversity and inclusion in the industry.
In addition to flight operations, the Qantas Group has implemented policies to support women in the workplace, including mentoring programs, career development opportunities and work-life balance policies. These measures aim to create an inclusive environment where women can thrive and reach their full potential.
The initiative to operate all-female flights also has a significant impact on public perception. Passengers who experience these flights witness firsthand the competence and professionalism of women in technical and operational roles, helping to normalize the female presence in aviation.
