Flybe launches FlyShe programme

Flybe has launched ?FlyShe?, a programme which aims to inspire the next generation of young women to pursue a wider variety of high trust career options, such as becoming a pilot, aviation engineer or a member of senior management.   

With the airline industry forecast to double in size by 2035, it is predicted that the sector needs 637,000 new pilots to meet global demand. Therefore, attracting talent from the 51% of the population that is not currently applying for these roles is an urgent commercial necessity. FlyShe has been designed to highlight and help address this huge talent shortage by inspiring young girls and women to consider roles that are traditionally male-associated. 

Independent research recently conducted on behalf of the airline across the UK, comprising 1,778 parents and 1,778 children aged between six-17, has revealed a gender bias in the roles to which children currently aspire. When thinking about future careers, girls are half as likely as boys to aspire to become an aviation engineer and are four times less likely than boys to want to be a pilot. Girls are also almost three times more likely than boys to pursue a career as cabin crew when they grow up.

Ourmi?res-Widener, who is the only female airline CEO in the UK, commented: "Aviation is still very much a male-dominated industry. There are many reasons for this gender imbalance, but the main one is that the pipeline of female talent in engineering and piloting is simply not there. 41% of Flybe?s workforce is now female with women in every role from apprenticeship to the boardroom. Whilst the majority still comprises cabin crew, there are increasing numbers across all other areas of the business, including pilots and engineers. We cannot ignore the fact that the research indicated that nearly one in five girls believe there are jobs they cannot do and I firmly believe that young women cannot be what they cannot see. Through FlyShe, we are committed to showing women they can fly high ? whatever it is they want to do."

In addition to launching its new online hub, flyshe.co.uk, the airline will continue to roll out a number of regional initiatives as part of the expanded programme. For example, it will be brought to life in schools across the country with female pilots and engineers engaging with pupils face-to-face in the classroom. In addition, Flybe will also produce educational materials for schools to host their own sessions, encouraging girls to consider high-trust roles as their future careers.

The airline has also created a video to introduce just some of the women who make up its female workforce at youtu.be/2PKueCJCobw.