Chapman Freeborn celebrates women in aviation

Aviation has always been an attractive career, offering employment that can provide a tantalising combination of travel, technology, big business and even an insight in the world of fame and celebrity. But the Workforce Report from Women in Aviation International shows that 70 per cent of the sector’s workforce are men, 93 per cent of pilots are male – and that women are outnumbered in every role other than cabin crew. 

At Chapman Freeborn, 45 per cent of employees are women and the company has begun an online campaign to highlight the vital role they play. 

Aviation is still male dominated 

Carol Carini, Group Communications Manager at Chapman Freeborn, said: “There’s no hiding that aviation as an industry is male dominated - but things are changing. We all need to do more to show women how exciting the industry is to work in and how many different roles it offers. 

“When people think about jobs in aviation they probably think about pilots and cabin crew, but there is so much more to it than that. Roles are as varied as being a cargo broker or a broker for passenger charter or private jet hire to being a ground handler. Or from working in HR or PR and marketing, to having a role in aircraft maintenance to name just a few!”  

Seeing more women get involved in the industry 

Kathy Leroy, VIP Charter Manager at Chapman Freeborn, recounted her story with aviation: “I have a fear of flying – but it hasn’t stopped me from having a career in aviation, so that shows it’s available to everyone!  

“Eventually I joined the industry, at Chapman Freeborn as a trainee charter broker, and I’ve never looked back. As soon as I saw the view from the office, looking directly over the London Gatwick runway, I knew I was in the right place! Over the years I’ve seen a lot more women get involved in aviation, but we still need more.” 

As the aviation industry strives to diversify its workforce, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University researchers published a paper demonstrating the bias faced by aspiring female and minority commercial pilots.