The Women Pilots of FedEx: The Sky Is No Limit

Monday 24 February 2014 11:03
“Inspiring change” is the theme for this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8.

When it comes to “inspiring change” for females in the workplace, the women pilots of FedEx lead the way. Circling the globe, transporting cargo as precious as a human heart, as adorable as a pair of pandas, or as valuable as famous artworks, the women pilots of FedEx are accustomed to moving rarities from one place to another.

It’s the business they’re in, and they love it. At the same time, there is one thing they wish were a bit less special about their job - being a woman in a pilot’s uniform.Worldwide, it’s estimated that no more than sixpercent of pilots are female – but that is changing (slowly) for the better.

Annie Mattos, a FedEx pilot originally from Oregon, now based at the company’sCologne, Germany hub started flying planes at the age of 19. Her passion for flying is shared by her 20 year old daughter who is studying to be a pilot.

“My dad’s a pilot,” says Captain Mattos, which is another pattern among women pilots. “That’s how I got into it. He definitely encouraged me. I remember doing a career report in the 9th grade and had to pick three careers. I chose flight attendant because I liked the idea of travel. And Dad said, ‘Don’t be a flight attendant, you can fly the plane!’That’s the first time I realized there was a possibility that I could do that too.”

A lack of awareness about flying as a career optionis one of the biggest obstaclesfor potential female pilots. Other challenges include night shifts, long absences and erratic schedules.

Susanne Brun, another Fedex pilot at the Cologne hub, who lives in Stockholm, also comes from a family of aviators. Her father was a former private pilot and her sister now flies planes for Delta Airlines. Mother to an eight-year old boy, Captain Brun believes there are ways for parents, and especially mums, to fly and still have quality time with their children. She believes her career choice gives her an advantage over other professions as she is able to spend quality time with her son when she is off duty.

“I know couples at FedEx who are both pilots and they have children, so they need to have a full-time nanny to make it work. While it is nice for a child to have someone at home every night,I can’t give that – I can however, give other stability, because when I’m home, I’m home for 24 hours. I’m always here when I’m home.”

The FedEx women pilots said it didn’t make any difference whether a man or woman is flying the plane. Brunsaid, “I would say all pilots are type-A people – we want to decide things.”

Molly Boss, a FedEx pilot based in the Hong Kong hub, believes women pilots bring different skillsets to the job – skills that complement the talents of male colleagues.

“I think the combination of a man and a woman can be good in the cockpit because you get the diversity, the different viewpoints,” added Captain Brun.

While FedEx does not employ a Thai female pilot today, David Carden, Managing Director, FedEx Express Thailand and Indochina hopes this will change in the future.

“FedEx strongly endorses a people-first philosophy where respect for all people is a fundamental value. We practice this by promoting a diverse workforce, supplier base and culture across our business and in the markets we operate,” said MrCarden.

“Regardless of gender and age, we seek the best, most talented people for a wide range of jobs across our network, including, hopefully in the future, the first female pilot from Thailand.”

The women pilots of FedEx say they are proud of their achievements and want to attract more young women into the profession.

“It is a job, sure,” says Capt. Mattos, who’s been flying for more than 20 years, “But it’s a great job. There’s always new challenges, always something to keep you involved and intrigued and on your toes. It’s still fun. I still love flying.”

The first International Women’s Day was held in 1911. Today, it has grown to become a global event where organizations, charities, governments, corporations, educational institutions, women’s groups and the media honor the economic, political and social achievements of women around the world.