The aviation industry encompasses more than just commercial flights; it also integrates a significant private sector. Increasingly, women are making their mark in the skies, from the cockpit to the executive offices. While the commercial aviation sector has its hurdles, the private jet industry is emerging as a more accessible path for women aspiring to build a career in aviation. The International Air Transport Administration has a 25by2025 initiative, encouraging airlines to grow female senior leadership positions to at least 25% of the corporate structure by 2025.
The private jet industry emerges as a critical step for breaking stereotypes and fostering gender diversity at the highest levels of aviation management. In 2022, the global private jet market was valued at around $30 billion.
The National Business Aviation Association stated in a report that amid a gaping disparity in numbers compared with men, women in business aviation are using networking, collaboration, mentoring and shared resources to change the landscape. Although one of the most recent data reports on females in the private sector is from 2020, Women in Aviation International states that roughly 11,316 women work in private aviation, only 6.6% of workers.
Private Aviation Positions
Women interested in a career within the private aviation sector can pursue a variety of roles beyond the typical C-Suite that cater to different skills and interests, including:
Pilot: Flying for private clients offers a more personal and flexible flying experience compared to commercial aviation.
Flight Attendant: Providing high-level customer service to ensure safety and comfort for passengers on private flights.
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer: Specializing in the upkeep and repair of private jets to maintain safety and performance standards.
Aviation Manager: Overseeing the operation of private aviation services, including flight scheduling, staff coordination and client relations.
Sales and Marketing Specialist: Promoting private jet charter services to potential clients and developing business strategies for aviation companies.
Customer Service Representative: Assisting clients with booking flights, processing payments and addressing any inquiries or concerns regarding their travel experience.
Air Traffic Controller: Managing aircraft movement in and out of smaller, private airfields and ensuring safe flying conditions.
Safety Inspector: Ensuring that private aviation companies comply with industry safety standards and regulations.
Other Industries That Offer Transferable Skills In Private Aviation
Hospitality and Customer Service: Individuals with a background in hospitality, including hotel management and high-end customer service, can transition smoothly into client-facing roles within private aviation, such as cabin crew or client relations management.
Military Aviation: Those with experience in military aviation possess a wealth of knowledge and discipline, ranging from pilot positions to operations and logistics.
Corporate or Business Management: Professionals with experience in corporate management or business operations have easily transferable skills to administrative, operational and leadership roles.
Engineering and Maintenance: Individuals from aerospace, mechanical or electrical engineering backgrounds can find opportunities in private aviation firms’ maintenance and engineering departments, where their technical expertise is invaluable.
Tech and Innovation: Information technology, software development and innovation management experts can significantly advance the private aviation industry by developing new aerospace technologies and customer experience solutions.
Sales and Marketing: Those with a background in sales and marketing, especially in luxury goods or services, are well-positioned to transition into roles focused on selling private aviation services and developing strategies to attract high-net-worth clients.
Meet The President Of Vista U.S.
Leona Qi, president of one of the more reputable private jet companies, addresses the need and desire to hire more females in leadership roles throughout the aviation industry. She states, “Diversity of thought and experience fuels innovation, and women bring a unique perspective that’s often underrepresented in this industry. I’ve found that one of the greatest skills women possess is being able to manage the unknown. Having this skill is very helpful in a job that is so client-facing and service-oriented because every day and every flight our clients take is different. Besides building and maintaining client relationships, it also helps manage a global team of people from various backgrounds and cultures. This paves the way for a more efficient and customer-focused future for business aviation.”
Qi made a significant career shift in 2018 when she assumed the role of president for the U.S. market. She helped guide the company through a rebrand from VistaJet to Vista and through the merger and acquisitions of two other fleet companies. Besides the caravan of aircraft, ranging from small charters to large cabin planes, the company has over 4,400 employees.
To address the lack of female executives, Qi talks about breaking the cloud ceiling, “To truly break the glass [cloud] ceiling and achieve inclusivity, companies need to move beyond resumes and qualifications on paper and look at diverse skill sets that can be incredibly valuable across all functions. When it comes to women in aviation, it’s about breaking down barriers and perceptions of what a woman in aviation looks like. There is a general perception, especially with young girls, that the only roles available to women in aviation are those of flight attendants, and it’s important to teach these young girls that there are many additional opportunities that await them in the field that align with their skill set and interests.
Vista prides itself on speaking to people of diverse backgrounds at air shows, trade conferences and recruiting events to educate and promote the idea that there is a space for everyone in aviation.
Qi’s Advice On Pivoting Into The Aviation Industry
Start with entry-level positions or internships in aviation-related companies. Hands-on experience is crucial and can sometimes lead to permanent positions within the company.
Highlight skills from other industries that apply to aviation, such as leadership, problem-solving and customer service. These skills are highly valued in private aviation.
Become a member of professional aviation associations. These organizations often provide resources, job postings and networking opportunities tailored to the aviation industry. For example, Women in Aviation International is dedicated to encouraging and advancing women in all aviation career fields.
As more people demand personalized air travel, the private jet industry is looking to hire—creating more opportunities for women to enter and advance.