AER Lingus is encouraging more women to apply for its Future Pilot Training Programme.
The Irish airline is currently taking applications for its latest intake of hopeful pilots, and have made appeals to females to join the team.
A spokesperson said: “Aer Lingus has had intakes for its Future Pilot Training Programme for the last two years and is currently taking applications for a new intake, closing date 8 July, 2019.
“Whilst the programme is very popular, the application rate among females in the past has only been around 7 per cent.
“Approximately 10 per cent of Aer Lingus pilots are women, which is on a par with or slightly ahead of airlines around Europe, but the company is keen to encourage more women into the career.”
To qualify for the programme, applicants must be 18 years or older and have passed the Leaving Certificate or an equivalent.
Aer Lingus recently commissioned a study that found men are more likely to be advised to go into a STEM career.
The role of pilot was also discussed significantly more in boys’ schools.
AER Lingus wanted to find out why applications from women were low, and see if they could do something to buck the trend.
Director of Operations at Aer Lingus, Davina Pratt added: “Aer Lingus has always been keen to encourage more women to become pilots, but our survey shows that there is still considerable work to be done to promote the career to women and to address some of the myths that exist.
“For example, regarding work life balance, maths and STEM qualifications, and the funding of pilot training at Aer Lingus.
“But primarily, when it comes to encouraging more women to come forward, this survey tells us that we need to get out into the schools and colleges to promote flying as a career for women as it simply isn’t top of mind and isn’t being actively promoted to them as a career option currently.
“I myself have had a very rewarding career as a pilot.
“While it’s a great honour to have been the airline’s first and only female Chief Pilot, it would be great to see more women coming into the profession and reaching the same heights.
“I would encourage females to consider applying now to be part of Aer Lingus’ latest recruitment drive.”
Written by Andrew Moore