All-female flight crews point to the future of aviation

Like many industries historically, aviation has been maledominated. Even today, women are significantly underrepresented, accounting for only 6.3% of all Federal Aviation Administration-certified pilots1. This imbalance exacerbates an already challenging professional environment where, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, mandatory and early retirements are creating nearly 17,000 openings for pilots every year, many of which go unfilled.

All-female flight crews are an
inspiration to little girls and
young women everywhere

Industry analysts predict a shortfall of as many as 30,000 pilots in North America by 20322. And the air-ambulance sector of the industry is not immune to this trend. These headwinds facing our industry present the question: how will operators respond and promote opportunities to train for, and build careers, in aviation amongst a wider population? So, when AirMed International, a leader in air medical services, deployed its first all-female flight crews, it was both a significant milestone for women in aviation, and an important gauge of how a largely untapped talent pool offers a logical solution to future pilot demand.

A signpost for others to follow

AirMed International assembled its allfemale flight crews for a trio of jet aircraft models: the Citation Bravo, the Beechjet 400A and the Hawker 800XP. These are AirMed International’s important milestone for the industry medically configured air ambulances with flight speeds and ranges that vary, and which are deployed based on patient needs and destinations. The crews piloting them undergo rigorous training and are prepared for all contingencies and conditions, with the additional concerns inherent in transporting ill or injured patients.

These professionals have shown exceptional skill, determination and a remarkable commitment to their craft, earning them the opportunity to serve together in this ground-breaking capacity. Their success is a testament to hard work, dedication, and their personal commitment to excellence, which exemplify the ethos of their company and their industry.

The deployment of these crews was not an end, or even a beginning, but instead a benchmark on a much longer journey. While in many ways it is an achievement that underscores a commitment to diversity, inclusion and the advancement of women in aviation, it is mostly a signpost pointing toward the future: one that hopefully many will read and follow.

Diversity efforts will be ongoing

AirMed has implemented several programmes to encourage more women to pursue careers in aviation, including targeted recruitment efforts, mentorship programmes, and partnerships with organisations dedicated to supporting women in the field. The goal is to build upon a storied company legacy and to ensure a commitment to an environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, while simultaneously enhancing quality of service. And, while the company far surpasses industry norms with females accounting for about 20% of the pilot pool, there is more work to be done.

All-female flight crews are an inspiration to little girls and young women everywhere. They are a tangible example of what can happen if you dream big, work hard and pursue a career in aviation. And that dream doesn’t seem as outof-reach as it once did. Breaking down barriers, fostering a diverse workplace and creating a more inclusive future for the industry is good for everyone.

To learn more about career opportunities at AirMed, visit airmed.com/careers.