Virgin Australia aims for more females in the cockpit

Two Virgin Australia pilots.
The next generation of pilots. Photo credit: Virgin Australia.

Virgin Australia has announced their intention to have an equal intake of males and females into its pilot cadet programme, with the aim of introducing more females into a male-dominated industry.

The 54-week program takes place in Adelaide. Cadets graduate with a commercial pilot's license and are offered roles within the airline.

Virgin Australia Group Executive People, Lucinda Gemmell said the move to have more females flying for the airline has to start at ground level.

"Globally, just three per cent of pilots are women. Our previous pilot cadetships have had up to 50 per cent females so we're confident we can reach this target this year."

As well as the 50/50 gender split target, the airline also has spots reserved for two applicants who have no flying experience at all.

The programme involves living on campus and being trained both on the ground and in the air.

Cadet programmes begin in June of this year and January 2019.

Newshub.