Flying the flag for female pilots

Tuesday 08 March 2022

Aircraft cockpits have traditionally been dominated by men. According to research published as recently as 2020, only around 5% of pilots globally are women.

One of them is Channel Islands-based charter firm Isle-Fly's newest recruit, and first female pilot, Jessica De Melo.

Ms De Melo and her new employer say they are passionate about encouraging more women to join the aviation industry.

Ms De Melo completed her commercial pilot training in February 2021. But her passion for aviation can be traced back to her childhood.

She grew up around aviation in Brazil and began flying aged 14. After training at various UK flying clubs and starting in commercial aviation at a young age, she soon became Monarch’s youngest trainer of pilots and cabin crew in emergency procedures.

“Aside from my work as a pilot, I am also passionate about encouraging more women to join the aviation industry,” said Ms De Melo.

“It has always been a male-dominated industry, but with companies like Isle-Fly proactively looking to encourage more diversity, I believe more women will be present in flight decks around the world.”

Ms De Melo’s other previous roles have included being senior operations officer for West Atlantic and part of cabin crew with Jet2 and Emirates.

She trained for the airline transport pilot licence in Oxford, where she also worked for a local flying club and a corporate jet company in operations.

Isle-Fly operate King Air aircraft throughout the Channel Islands and the UK and in Europe. 

““I have been around aircraft and airports throughout my life, but to now fly the new and modern fleet of King Airs at Isle-Fly is exciting for me as a pilot. I am looking forward to becoming part of the team and welcoming our clients on board,” said Ms De Melo.

Pictured: At Isle-Fly, Jessica De Melo will fly Beechcraft King Air aircraft. 

She is Isle-Fly’s first female pilot.

The company’s Director of Flight Operations, Paul Sabin, said: “This is an important appointment for Isle-Fly, not just because of the extensive experience Jess brings to the team, but we hope her story and career will inspire more women to join the aviation industry.

“Jess’s passion for aviation is infectious and her dedication to aviation safety is extremely important to Isle-Fly and our passengers.

“Isle-Fly also has a commitment to its team allowing them to learn other aspects of the aviation industry to further their future careers and expertise.

"Jess will not only fly charter flight, but also work in the marketing and promotion of the company to its current and future clients.”