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Qantas Group is set to operate more than 50 all-female-run flights this week in the leadup to International Women’s Day.
Over 250 crew members, including pilots, cabin crew, operational staff, and engineers, will work on the regional, domestic and international Qantas and Jetstar services across Australia, New Zealand and Asia, with the first, a Jetstar Adelaide–Sydney service, taking off on Monday morning.
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“It’s exciting to see incredible talent across Qantas and Jetstar come together in force so more flights than ever before can soar in recognition of International Women’s Day,” Brigitte Howe, Qantas 787 second officer, said.
“These flights are a celebration of all the women who paved the path for the next generation and are ensuring today’s teams can thrive in a more diverse workplace.
“My hope is that young girls see these flights and are inspired to take up a career in aviation working beside supportive, passionate, inclusive and seriously talented women.”
The flights are a significant step up from last year’s International Women’s Day celebrations, where Qantas and Jetstar operated three all-female flights.
Jetstar’s senior manager of flying operations, Captain Lizzie Archibald, said the flights highlight the “exceptional talent and leadership” women bring to aviation.
“Jetstar is proud to have women in leadership positions across the airline, inspiring the next generation of female leaders,” Captain Archibald said.
“Today’s flights are such an important moment to showcase to young girls and women all the different career paths aviation can offer, including pilots and engineers.
“From the flight deck and cabin, to the operations centre, engineering, ground staff, and corporate teams, this week is an opportunity to celebrate the invaluable contributions of women to the world of aviation every day.”
While most pilots and engineers at Qantas are still men, the Flying Kangaroo has been taking steps to increase its gender equity efforts, including extra Pilot Academy scholarships for women and First Nations students, school outreach programs, and work experience opportunities.
According to Catherine Walsh, chief people officer of Qantas Group, women this year made up 20 per cent of the apprentice intake at Qantas’ engineering academy, while a record 35 per cent of Jetstar engineering graduates in 2025 are female.
“While progress is being made, change isn’t going to happen overnight. It starts in our schools. We’re expanding our school outreach to promote aviation as a career to encourage girls to dream big when it comes to their career and follow their interests in STEM,” Walsh said.
“Our hope is that young girls will see these incredible women thriving in a technical career to give them the confidence to explore a role that will see them in a hangar, in the flight deck or running this airline in the future.”
