To mark International Women’s Day today, we spoke with Louise Iveson, First Officer at Jet2.com

Q: What's your job role & what does it entail?
A: I am a First Officer with Jet2.com, based at Leeds Bradford Airport, flying to more than 40 destinations across Europe. Working closely with the pilot, I am responsible for the smooth and efficient operation of the aircraft, from pre-flight checks right through to the point our passengers disembark at their destination.

Q: What inspired you to become a pilot?
A: I had always been fascinated by flying, even as a very young girl. It’s definitely the sort of job that gives the wow factor and constantly challenges you, something I thrive on. The best thing about being a pilot is that not only do you get extensive training for the role, but you’re updated and reviewed every six months, meaning you’re always improving on yourself.

Q: How did you start out in the industry?
A: I had always known that I wanted a career in the clouds so I opted to do a university degree in Aerospace Engineering and once qualified, I spent some time working as a helicopter engineer before deciding to do a 14-month intensive pilot course. Once I’d completed this, I opted to take a position at Jet2.com in its pilot programme and have been there ever since.

Q: How long have you been in the job?
A: Three years; one year as a pilot apprentice and two years as a First Officer. It’s a fantastic role offering so much variety, from the monitoring of technical equipment mid-flight to physically flying the plane, it gives me all of the necessary theoretical and practical skills that will one day mean that I can be in charge of operating my very own aircraft.

Q: What's your favourite thing about the job?
A: My all-time favourite thing about the job is the view! Seeing the world from 30,000 feet is such a special experience and I’ve been lucky enough to see so many stunning places with the best seat in the house. It’s also really satisfying being such a big part of our passengers’ journey, taking them to a destination where they’ll get to experience so much. When we get the chance to see the passengers off the plane, it’s so lovely to wish them a wonderful holiday and be thanked by them for a job well done – something that really does make the day so much sweeter. 

Q: And the hardest?
A: Having to land in all of these beautiful places and rarely getting to see them. We’re normally turning the plane around and flying a plane full of people back to the UK shortly after landing, so sightseeing time is unfortunately not something we often get. It does however help you decide where you want to get away to, which is how I ended up in Nice for my summer holidays last year!

“I hope that even more women in the future will ignore outdated career stereotypes and opt for jobs that make them happy and fulfilled”

Q: What are you or the airline doing to mark International Women’s Day?
A: Jet2.com is doing something truly wonderful and historic by having its first ever flight fully powered by women and it’s an honour to be a part of it. Everyone from the pilot to the ramp team are women which we hope will help highlight that all roles within the travel sector are equally suited to both men and women.

[bctt tweet=”To mark #IWD, @jet2tweets is having its first flight fully powered by women #girlpower”]

Q: Are there any challenges that women face within the industry?
A: The main challenge is the limited visibility of women in these roles. I don’t think that teenage girls who are considering career options ever think of a job such as a pilot, as there are few role models for them to look up to and think “I want to fly a plane and if she can do, well I certainly can”.

The funny thing is that I haven’t had anything but positive feedback as a female in what some people may still think of as a traditionally male role. Times have certainly changed from the days of all female cabin crew and all males in the cockpit, and I’d hope that even more women in the future will ignore outdated career stereotypes and opt for jobs that make them happy and fulfilled.”

Any females interested in a career at Jet2.com should visit www.jet2careers.com.

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