Solomon Airlines has joined Royal Brunei Airlines, Air India and Fiji Link as the latest airline to show its support for women in aviation with its first all-female operated flight.
Captain Linda Tito Owen and First Officer Patricia Avosa made Solomon Islands aviation history when they flew a Twin Otter aircraft on some of the carrier’s busiest domestic services this week – proving women don’t need a man to make anything happen in the sky.
An airline spokesperson congratulated the women on the benchmark moment, saying it’s a major achievement for the pilots.
“This further development is a major achievement and represents yet another milestone in Solomon Airlines’ gender empowerment effort.”
Solomon Airlines Spokesperson
“Although females make up the majority of the work force within the tourism industry, the aviation industry is largely male dominated.
“However, Solomon Airlines can proudly attest to the fact that it does undertake gender equality with vigour and enthusiasm as part of its overall human resource development strategy.”
The all-female operated flight comes less than a year after New Zealander Captain Claudia Walding became the first female pilot to take command of Solomon Airlines’ flagship A320 aircraft.
The special service also marks a significant moment Captain Owen and First Officer Avosa who come from traditionally male dominated Melanesian environments.