People of BNE: Women in aviation

This year’s UN Women Austalia International Women’s Day theme, Balance the Scales, reflects a powerful truth: when we invest in equity and inclusion, everyone benefits. At Brisbane Airport, we’re committed to building a more diverse workplace, with a strong focus on increasing the representation of women and Indigenous people across our organisation. 

It’s a commitment we measure and hold ourselves accountable to each year through our Sustainability and Annual Reports. We encourage all voices to speak up and to challenge inequality when we see it. Not just on International Women’s Day, but every day.

International Women’s Day also marks the start of Women of Aviation Week, commemorating the anniversary of the world’s first female pilot licence, issued on 8 March 1910. The week shines a light on the ongoing gender imbalance across the air and space industries and the work still to be done.

To continue these conversations and help inspire change, we asked these People of BNE to share their thoughts and experiences on equality and diversity in our workplace and across our industry.

Maria Laidlaw, Head of Technology, Brisbane Airport

Who is someone in your life that has inspired you to be where you are today?

"Someone who has influenced me in my career, like many of us, was my mum. My mother shaped me from an early age to be a very strong and independent woman and instilled those values in me. That was the foundation, and growing from there across the various jobs and industries, I've had some great female leaders that I've looked up to.

"I wouldn't say it's one particular person, it has been many leaders who have influenced who I am today. Not always in a good way, sometimes you have leaders who influence you on how you don't want to lead, and I did need that mixture to shape how I wanted to lead moving forwards too."  

Hayley Schorn, Airside Safety Officer, Brisbane Airport

In line with the theme of IWD, how do you help 'Balance the Scales' for women?

"I make a conscious effort to introduce myself and get to know the other women in the airfield, including the many female tug drivers. I let them ask questions about my role, and I let them know that I am here to support them in any way I can."  

Charlotte Franklin, Electrical Maintenance Officer, Brisbane Airport

In your career in electrical maintenance, what has been one of the biggest challenges or imbalances?

"The biggest challenge in my role is the constant need to prove myself in a male-dominated industry. Assumptions about capabilities and a lack of physical female role models can make progression less clear, but overcoming those perceptions has built resilience and confidence in me."  

Jane Dionysius, Executive General Manager People, Culture & Governance, Brisbane Airport

As woman in a leadership role what has been your biggest challenge?

"I'd say the biggest challenge I had was myself. I constantly had the feeling of self doubt or fear in my mind about why I couldn't make things happen. This was revealed to me when I stepped into my first leadership role at 30 while having a young child. I very much had in my own head that there was no way I could be both a good mum and a good leader.

"It was the people around me, particularly my male mentors and champions, that really showed me that I could. If I didn't have those people I would have let a lot of opportunities in my career go past. It's really important not to let self doubt get in the way of incredible opportunities."  

Tammy Loewe, Team Leader – Airside Operations, Brisbane Airport

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome in your career so far?

“Breaking down barriers and perceptions. Becoming an Airside Operations Officer was one of the most challenging experiences I have ever undertaken, there were many times that I second guessed my ability. I had spent most of my career on the corporate side of the business and I was now moving into a frontline, very hands-on operational role. I could feel the judgement of others - well intentioned or otherwise. I had to dig deep, work hard, and persevere. The lessons I learnt along the way was to ask questions, respect experience, and focus on doing each task to the best of my ability, and it paid off and became one of my biggest accomplishments.

Historically, Airside Operations had very low female representation within the group and at times only one female Airside Operations Officer. Like many other frontline operational roles, it had the reputation as a ‘man’s role’. The recent recruitment initiative by BAC has seen those numbers grow to the current six female Airside Operations Officers which is a testament to the support and acknowledgment BAC puts behind improving diversity within the workplace. This I feel has begun the next evolution of Airside Operations with a very obvious positive change within our team. It makes my heart sing."  

Hayley Wood, Network Support Pilot, Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia (Queensland Section)

What appealed to you about working with the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS)?
 
“The RFDS and its ethos was always something I was attracted to. Before I decided that becoming a pilot would be my career path, I wanted to be a doctor for the RFDS. I can remember my aunty and uncle, who travel extensively in remote Australia, fundraising and telling stories about the RFDS. And I always wanted to fly for the RFDS, too. Unfortunately, I had a bad experience when I was first learning to fly – someone told me I wouldn’t be able to do the job – and that stuck with me. But, after COVID, I thought, if not now, then when?
 
I’d give the same advice to anyone starting in aviation. Back yourself. Never give up. Love what you’re doing now, even while you’re reaching for the next step. Always have a Plan B. Don’t ask anyone to do anything you aren’t willing to do yourself and take every opportunity that presents.”
 
Read more about Hayley’s amazing journey in her career.