Airservices Australia is today proudly supporting a special Virgin Australia flight dispatched, operated, and managed by an all-woman team in celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD).
As part of an exciting, second consecutive joint initiative – which involves Virgin Australia, Melbourne Airport, Airservices Australia and Brisbane Airport – Australia’s first female pilot of a major airline, Deborah Lawrie AM, will take the helm of flight VA313 from Melbourne to Brisbane.
In addition, all key touchpoints and tasks related to VA313 will be entirely undertaken by women. This will see more than 30 women unite for the initiative, including female pilots, cabin crew, ground crew, baggage handlers and more – not to mention Airservices’ highly skilled air traffic controllers (ATCs).
Airservices ATCs, Melbourne’s Lily Cai and Brisbane’s Veronica Graham (pictured), will meticulously and expertly guide the flight to safety, from its Melbourne departure, through to its Brisbane arrival.
Airservices Australia Chief Executive Officer Jason Harfield said the organisation was proud to support a second all-women crewed commercial flight, reminding us all of the breadth and scope of career options for women across the aviation industry.
“From our air traffic management services, to our Aviation Rescue Fire Fighting Service, our engineering roles, or to working with industry, there’s a broad range of dynamic and flexible opportunities for women at Airservices,” Mr Harfield said.
“For us, International Women’s Day isn’t just about celebrating diversity; it’s about ensuring a safer and more inclusive sky, where all voices are heard and valued, enhancing the efficiency and safety of aviation for all.”
Brisbane Airservices air traffic controller Veronica Graham said she was proud to act as an IWD ambassador, as a champion of change.
“IWD holds significant personal importance for me, particularly stemming from my upbringing in a small town in Far North Queensland, where career options were limited,” Veronica said. “Today, it’s imperative to highlight the breadth of career options available to girls and women.
“I aim to advocate for these opportunities, particularly in traditionally male-dominated fields like aviation. Serving as an ambassador for IWD is an honour, even if my efforts resonate with just one woman, inspiring her to consider a career in aviation. To all women and girls, remember: with determination, the possibilities are limitless.”
Virgin Australia First Officer, Deborah Lawrie said she was delighted to see more women pursue careers in aviation.
“To be in the company of so many remarkable women today celebrating together is a full circle moment, and it is one I hope serves as inspiration for people from all walks of life to pursue the many diverse and rewarding careers aviation can offer,” she said.
Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus said the aviation industry is an exciting one that offers many opportunities to women.
“Women have come a long way in aviation. That’s been thanks to pioneers like Deborah Lawrie who have forged a path for women to build successful careers in this industry beyond the more traditional roles – as we’re showing with flight VA313 today,” Ms Argus said.
Brisbane Airport Executive General Manager of Human Resources, Jane Dionysius said BNE was looking forward to inspiring female aviation students who will gather to view a live stream of the all-female flight and meet those who’ve participated in the service.
“Deborah Lawrie is a trailblazer in Australia, not just for women in aviation. This flight is a great demonstration of the diversity of roles available to women in aviation, and the incredible lifelong careers that the industry offers.”
About Airservices
Airservices Australia is the Federal Government-owned organisation responsible for the safety of 11 per cent of the world’s airspace and the provision of aviation rescue fire fighting services at Australia’s busiest airports. We work closely with our customers and industry to support the long-term growth of the aviation industry and are investing in technologies to position Australia at the forefront of innovation in the global aviation industry.
