Virgin Australia Launches Future Aviators Program to Boost Female Representation in Aviation

Brisbane, Australia – Virgin Australia has launched its inaugural Future Aviators program, giving nearly 60 young girls from South East Queensland an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at aviation careers. The initiative aims to inspire female students to consider careers in aviation, particularly in technical roles such as engineering and piloting, where women remain underrepresented.

• Year 7 and Year 8 students from Aerospace Gateway Schools participated in guided tours of Virgin Australia’s aircraft maintenance hangar, head office, and training centres, including flight simulators.
• The program is part of Virgin Australia’s broader commitment to increasing gender diversity in aviation.
• The initiative aligns with International Women’s Day’s 2024 theme, Accelerate Action, by raising awareness and providing early exposure to career opportunities in aviation.
• Students engaged in a panel discussion featuring women working across Virgin Australia’s operations, allowing them to learn firsthand about career pathways in the industry.

Statements:

“Aviation certainly faces challenges in gender diversity, however we don’t shy away from them – we’re leaning in with a determined focus, not only to inspire students to consider a career in aviation, but to actively support them on that path,” said Virgin Australia Chief People Officer Lisa Burquest.

“This is a small but important step in increasing the visibility of some lesser-known roles in aviation for students who may not know where their skills could take them, or what roles are even available to them across the industry,” she added.

“The Aerospace Gateway to Industry Schools Program, led by Aviation Australia, connects industry and schools to provide hands-on learning and career pathways in aerospace. We’re excited to partner with Virgin Australia to deliver the Future Aviators program,” said Aerospace Gateway Schools Project Manager Natalie Allen.

Source: Virgin Australia Photo Credit: Virgin Australia