FOR the first time in the history of Solomon Airlines two local female pilots flew a Twin Otter aircraft H4-FSI together on a commercial schedule yesterday.
The Airlines management were at the airport to witness the two females took off.
A statement from the Solomon Airlines’ Human Resources Department said, it’s a big achievement and milestone in its gender empowerment efforts when two of its very own local female pilots, Captain Linda Tito Owen and first Officer Patricia Avosa to sky the plan.
“Although women make up the majority of the work force in the tourism industry, the aviation industry is largely male dominated,” the statement said.
It added that an idea of occupational image means that in today’s aircraft women are often confined to working in the customer service or cabin steward roles instead of cockpit.
“However, we at the Solomon Airlines can proudly attest to the fact that we do take gender equality with vigor and enthusiasm as part of our overall human resource development strategy.”
When asked to describe how they feel about their roles as pilots in the national carrier, Capt Linda and First Officer Patricia’s responded happily and said: “we just love to do our job to serve our people to the best of our abilities.
“We just do the job and of course with safety as our number one priority.”
Out on the tarmac to witness the momentous occasion were Solomon Airlines management and staff.
By LESLEY SANGA
