Ecuadorian Women in Aviation

I have today 68 years and I was the first woman with a Flight Operations Technician degree awarded after a course at the Civil Aviation Technical School.

I worked at Saeta first in offices then at the airport counter. The company gave me the opportunity to take the course as the only woman with 25 boys in the classroom. Then we graduated and I got first seniority.

For many years I was Head of the airport and flight dispatcher in Saeta. I retired and I have no hesitation in saying that it was the best experience of my life. I share my story on this day dedicated to women fighters.

I'm carla, Quito, cabin crew and mom of two, specialist in Corporate Social Responsibility.

From a very young age I had the opportunity to get on a plane in the company of my parents, because he traveled for different reasons, either for his work or for tourism.

Every time I stepped foot in an airport I felt a "Déjà vu" and the atmosphere became very familiar to me and "so mine".

Years passed and when I finished school I had to choose a career and of course I studied tourism because at that time it was the closest thing to my passion: the aviation. But before I sought to have an aviation expertise, That's how I did my internships at America Airlines.

It is true what they say that when something is for you, comes easily to you, (for this I already had my first daughter Valentina and we lived with her father). The opportunity arose in SAEREO, a part time for a sales point in the old Mariscal Sucre terminal.

I didn't think twice and accepted. For me SAEREO was a real school, I was finally where the “potatoes burn” and I highlight that saying because many people told me that it made me happy.

This was the beginning of my career in aviation, then i went to traffic, until I became a supervisor. I got involved in several areas, now he knew about airport security, load, operations and commercial area, because my position reported to each of them, being a small company, familiar and solid, SAEREO for me was my family.

The dream of flying was latent and the opportunities to take the crew course presented themselves to me at every moment, but I did not have the support of my daughters' father., Besides, I didn't understand how I could like a job where I have to get up early., rotating schedules and that the remuneration is not competitive.

I left SAEREO, Well, I had separated and had two little girls who demanded a lot from me., that's how an office job came my way (nothing to do with airplanes) and I accepted.

I began to carry out certification processes before the DGAC but I did it from home, I started with my master's degree and now I set myself the goal of fulfilling my dream of flying.

This is how a call came to me again to take the Tame EP TCP training course and I got it, I was a crew member.

I had the opportunity to fly all the international destinations of Tame and obviously the entire Ecuador. How proud it was to put on that uniform and arrive (I quote only with an example) to JFK representing the flag carrier.

Years passed and the opportunity arose to support the Comercial, that's how i came down to earth but i also flew. It was the perfect job but the day came to choose and I decided to make a career and hung my wings. It was the hardest and most difficult decision I have ever made in my life..

Currently, for my academic training and knowledge of the aeronautical environment, I work in Communication and from the 2018 I am implementing the Corporate Responsibility Model in Tame. It is a huge challenge but sustainability is not created overnight.

I have been through several airlines that are part of an airline, operational, commercial and communication. I believe that in life there are stages and to grow many times you have to leave your comfort zone. I keep dreaming and I work hard to materialize my desires.

Life presents you with opportunities but we must also be prepared to take them. I don't like to improvise.

Who knows and maybe tomorrow I'll fly again (I have never ruled out that possibility) But for now, with feet on the ground and eyes on the sky.

I have loved Aviation since I was a child.. I am a doctor and I have a specialty in Aeronautical Medicine, I am currently manager of the Volare Ecuador Higher Aviation School where we prepare aspiring Cabin Crew. I have learned to develop my potential in a world led by men, and I can say that women can also go very far.

In my case I have been lucky, The fact of being a woman has not brought me obstacles or difficulties when it comes to being part of the world of aviation. In fact, from the beginning I felt a great welcome from the Ecuadorian spotters and my followers on YouTube who, in both cases, they are mostly men. Today, as cabin crew, despite not being a challenge in itself, I am struck by the response I usually get when I show some interest in technical or practical aspects that are not directly related to my work. Pilots are often surprised when I ask questions about approaches to different airports, their ILS categories, the crosswind limits of a given type of aircraft, among other. However, I must admit that this answer is always positive.
In my case I have been lucky, The fact of being a woman has not brought me obstacles or difficulties when it comes to being part of the world of aviation. In fact, from the beginning I felt a great welcome from the Ecuadorian spotters and my followers on YouTube who, in both cases, they are mostly men.

Today, as cabin crew, despite not being a challenge in itself, I am struck by the response I usually get when I show some interest in technical or practical aspects that are not directly related to my work. Pilots are often surprised when I ask questions about approaches to different airports, their ILS categories, the crosswind limits of a given type of aircraft, among other. However, I must admit that this answer is always positive.

Even though we live in a fairly progressive time when it comes to women's rights, it is still a bit difficult to get started in an industry that is mostly led by men. Mainly the fact that, in my case I advise several commercial airlines in Ecuador and at the same time I represent them before the aeronautical authority, and before both parties I face to meet high expectations about my work.

for being a woman, you are subject to constant scrutiny of your knowledge, especially in the technical part since most men think that mechanical things are not given to women and therefore we will have some difficulty in understanding the technical / operational regulations that are required in aviation. This is why we are presented with the challenge of adapting to the environment and creating an image of trust that provides security in the work you do., we must be in continuous learning, up to date on the development of air activity and available 24/7, since the air transport operation does not have fixed schedules.

The important thing is that it becomes a daily challenge that becomes passionate and becomes part of your life.. Feeling part of the aerial activity is very stimulating and has given me, in these almost 10 years of experience, great satisfaction such as obtaining the granting of operating permits for foreign airlines that allow increasing the connectivity of the country, as well as being part of the negotiation and execution of contracts in the field of international aviation.

My name is Andreina Martinez., I am Venezuelan and I am an aeronautical engineer with a Specialization in Planning, Development and Project Management. my professional life, since its inception, it has been a challenge, which I have accepted with pride. I chose a career dominated by men, the 90% of the students in the course were men. Nevertheless, That didn't stop me. I started my professional career in the air accident investigation area., area that keeps getting my attention. In that period, had the responsibility to go to the places of the events, make the inspections of the case and determine the causal factors of the events. The greatest challenge was presented when carrying out these activities with "such a young age and also a woman". sometimes they asked me: “Tolerate seeing deaths in accidents? For men that is easier.. The challenges began to gather: being a woman and being young. I understood that education would play a determining role in my performance in the world of aviation, and for that reason I decided to deepen my training. I took a 4th level study and developed myself in the area of ​​project management. Next, I started to work in a Venezuelan airline and I dedicated myself to the operational safety area. I was developing myself in the mentioned area until I got the position of Operational Safety Management System Manager. The challenges continued and increased with respect to the responsibility of the position. This presented the first challenge that referred to assuming a managerial role at a "young age" compared to other managers who had decades of experience in aviation., with the added factor of salary imbalance with respect to other managers in the airline. in addition, I had the opportunity to be part of the select group of women authorized by the Aeronautical Authority to be an instructor in Operational Safety Management.

Now the challenge would be to train airline personnel at such a young age… “Will you believe what I say??, Will I represent an authority figure for them both in the managerial role and in the role of instructor?” the doubts grew… However, this hasn't stopped me, I continue to develop in aviation now with more effort and pride. I hope and fight for women to have more decision-making roles in aviation and for more women to enter this beautiful world in the near future..

I admit that at first it was not easy for me, in a way i felt a little inferior, I was in a small flight academy, all my companions and the instructors were men. While my companions were already flying alone, i was trying to get the motor oil off my hands to do a few landings and takeoffs with my instructor. My landings weren't perfect, but I, my instructor and the plane landed intact. Finally, when they gave me the permit to fly alone I was very scared because I didn't feel capable of doing it, I had to cancel it the first and second time (the second was because of the wind) on the third try I still felt scared, but i knew i had to. It was 9am and the traffic was already getting heavy., was number 3 for takeoff and in front of me was a Gulfstream G650 (I'm a PA-28). Okay, patiently wait my turn, tower confirms the takeoff, I check that everything is ok, all in green, 55 knots and rotation.

Already in the air I realized that I can face myself, I can get out of this comfort zone and that I can do better than I thought I could, after me alone, I can say that it has gone better than I expected both in my training and in my professional life. In my little experience with aviation I can say that it does not matter who flies the plane, the important thing is how you do it; with dedication, effort, discipline and above all with the love of flying. I hope to continue growing this way, It's not easy and I'm still trying, I have to continue to stand out with myself and especially in this industry mostly led by men.

The biggest challenge for me has been that they really see you as a professional person who wants to learn and do their job and also the fact that sometimes when you have a family in my case they judge you for having chosen this kind of work..

I believe that in Ecuador, the aviation industry is one of the most equitable in terms of gender. Nevertheless, there are fewer women in management and leadership positions. After a career of more than 25 years in aviation, I can tell you that the biggest challenge, both at the beginning and today has been to successfully combine the work, studies and family life. Something that can only be achieved with the support of the family, organizational skills and constant effort.

To close, I would like to say that I firmly believe that success goes beyond gender and is achieved by taking advantage of opportunities, setting goals and working to achieve them with effort and perseverance.

Peru is a very conservative country, when I just entered to study one of the branches of Aviation, they are surprised that there are women in a classroom. The looks that one feels when you work, harassment, comments out of place, wanting to diminish you for simply being a woman, is the biggest challenge for a woman in the aviation industry. Nevertheless, I am very happy that there are more women betting on aeronautics, that finally we are all human beings and we must be seen equally at all times and stop being machismo, something that perhaps in my country is still missing.

My beloved AVIATION, ever since i can remember you are my great inspiration. My passion for aviation was always but it all materialized in the 2000. I started as a Traffic Agent for Icaro in the old Quito Airport, it was difficult to study and work but it was all worth while I walked to achieve my dream, be TC (it was my aspiration), many friends told me why be TC? It is not better to be a pilot? But being a pilot was never in my heart.

After a few years I took the CT course for Icaro. Later I worked at Aerogal, at Lan Ecuador, LAC as TC. They were the best schools and experiences. I had the best instructors and friends, They taught me countless things and I received millions of tips that I will never forget. The love for aviation led me to continue perfecting myself in my area and I was able to be Chief of Cabin, Crew Chief and one of my dream goals is to be an Instructor. I had the opportunity to qualify as an Instructor at the Technical School of Civil Aviation in Quito; then I was able to teach some courses such as in TAME: Image, Personal presentation, Etiquette and protocol. At LAC I taught the courses that the company requested.

My beloved aviation, nothing to reproach you with, I had my ups and downs. I will always be grateful to God, with the life, for all flights, for every takeoff and landing, for each crew, for each passenger; Thank you for making me live every moment as if it were the last.. your eternal admirer. Sonita Romero.

The biggest challenge I have had in my role as an air traffic controller was earning the respect and trust of my colleagues and pilots when I am on the frequency.. In this complex environment, growing as a professional and being recognized for my work has been one of my greatest achievements.. Today I am Responsible for the Guayaquil Control Tower and I can assure you that managing this group of controllers is just as difficult as controlling planes, but I love challenges and I am assuming them with pleasure and great responsibility..

Katya Lopez Mena, Engineer in foreign trade, 25 years as a Customs Agent in Ecuador, expert in processes of Special Regimes, with 15 years of experience in specialized aviation services.

My biggest challenge at this time has been to consolidate the name of our company as leaders and experts in customs services for the main airlines in the country, whether they are Ecuadorian or foreign., we achieve this by fully involving ourselves in the process that goes from learning international regulations, the operation as such, aircraft maintenance, meet the manufacturers, models and types of aircraft and work hand in hand with our clients ensuring that the Ecuadorian Customs Legislation adapts to the need and reality of the line of business.

Without a doubt, aviation drives and motivates you to be proactive and becomes a passion that is carried within

The truth is that I entered this world of aviation by chance and I thank life for that and more for being part of the Air France KLM group. Challenges that have been achieved in more than 20 years of work, professionalism and commitment.

The biggest challenge is to believe in yourself. My trajectory and path has been gradually changing. Start in Operations (import- export), customer service and now sales.

I think that with my positive attitude good character – pillar in my life- I have been able to gain trust, friendship and respect of my colleagues in aviation.

The perseverance, integrity makes goals are met.

The world of aviation is varied, there has always been a female presence and I can say that in my case I have not had any setbacks for being a woman, I think I better have received a lot of support.

Being considered a valid interlocutor, not only for the fact of being a woman but also for being a young woman. I reached Management in the year 2004, with 30 year old, despite having at that time already with 12 years of experience in different areas of the operation in Ecuador.

This challenge was presented, not at the time of entering the industry, but as you go up, In a business world where, although there is an increasing presence of women, unfortunately they are still a minority in leadership skills.

When at 19 years ago I was presented with the opportunity to work in the KLM cargo area, I felt that I touched the sky with my hands. I had no idea planes carried cargo, worst what would be my responsibilities and functions. all that was secondary, the important thing for me at that moment is that I was working in an airline and that I was going to be able to travel.

Aviation in Ecuador at the end of the years 80 was led by men, However, the majority of the KLM Ecuador cargo and airport staff were women, so I immediately became part of the “Amazon Country” team, which is what our Dutch colleagues called us..
Being a woman was never an obstacle to develop within the company or later in the world of Ecuadorian aviation., I've been a part of for over 30 years.

Women have contributed as much as men with the growth of the industry. Maybe the only difference I can think of is the passion we put into our work..

The biggest challenge as a woman: neither.

The challenge of entering this industry, which was then mostly led by men, several years ago (something that has been changing in recent years) it was the fear of my peers to change. change of perspective, focus, resolutions, change in the way of making decisions, solutions, talks, procedures, in general a change that is directly linked to the diversity of thought.

At that time that fear of change was accentuated even more, when the propitiator was “a few” years younger than his peers. But, like all fear; it faded. In a short time my peers were given the opportunity to work face to face. Subsequently, the professionalism and expertise in the aeronautical industry was manifested through teamwork that allowed highly efficient results to be achieved..

The time has changed. More and more women occupy management-level positions in the aviation industry. Years ago, in my professional practice the work was carried out almost exclusively with men. Exceptional cases were those in which women held managerial positions. That reality from years ago motivated me precisely to become an activist for change.

I have always considered that, if you disagree with something, or you do not feel satisfied with the reality you live, you shouldn't complain. You must DO something to change it..

The aviation industry is hiring more and more women in different areas and ranks. Every day the capacities and attributes that we have are valued; the tenacity and perseverance that characterizes us.

I have been part of this world of work for 5 years and my biggest challenge was to combine my work schedule with my children. This industry is dynamic and exciting and as a professional it involves you 24/7, the 365 days of the year. Thanks to the unconditional support and understanding of my family, this challenge has been and is overcome day by day..

I feel very proud to be part of one of the most important players in the market. In my case, joining the Avianca family- Ecuador S.A. It has allowed me to have a comprehensive development where the balance between work and personal matters prevails thanks to incentives such as the Home office or flexible working hours..

This and other challenges are part of the lives of all women who work in aviation, in the industry, but all of them in turn have allowed us to fulfill dreams and walk towards the only common goal that all human beings have: be happy.

I believe that every woman who enters the aeronautical world faces permanent challenges, not only professional but also personal., in our different roles.

My case has not been the exception, as a Lawyer specialized in Aeronautical Law, I have also experienced a greater male presence in the exercise of this field of Law, in Ecuador.
Among my greatest challenges I could name the work carried out in the Ecuadorian public sector to empower aviation within the public tourism policy, so that it is recognized as a strategic activity directly linked to the increase in tourism to our country. the work was hard, but the proposal was understood,
we have results and it remains valid.

In private practice and representation of airlines, I have had an openness for my professional growth, although with some differences that favor men and persist in our society. There are still few of us lawyers who work for the exciting aeronautical industry in Ecuador, but surely we will grow in active participation, because the road has been opened and aviation offers a challenging development to our country.

The biggest challenge as a woman entering the aeronautical world has been to demonstrate that women have a voice of authority when issuing an instruction., like ATC that I am, many times the pilots have tried to ignore the instructions given by women due to the fact that we have a weak voice, and where they have been accustomed to hearing instructions from men, since 11 Years after I started working in this field, those barriers between the pilot and “the ATC” were broken..

Being few women in control we have been able to demonstrate that our voice has as much hierarchy as that of a man that each given instruction will take him on the correct route., protecting your flight, giving them security until their destination.

Although throughout history there have been activities marked in line with the gender; the current world, and the escalation of women towards equivalent positions and equal rights, have allowed him to develop in spaces never contemplated; where from their different positions, has marked and shaped his mark not only of satisfaction of having achieved even goals, but carried out tasks that make it stand out and excel even from spheres where it extends its challenges and enhances its knowledge.

This is how aviation; one of the activities that has been part of this positive change, Account from different spaces with a diversity of dynamic work fields that are developed from different areas, spheres, positions and professions.

I'm a lawyer, and I consider it a formidable experience, that the aviation industry has been part of my environment and professional development for a long time 29 years, which has become a challenge, well the same has been for me, one of the greatest strengths of the principles and supports on which my work has developed.

I have had the opportunity to work from four different points of view or phases in my professional life; so my best school, the country's aeronautical regulation and control authority, subsequently the state entity issuing public policies within the framework of the rights of users and within the same to those of air transport; later developing myself as Legal Manager of one of the largest airlines in the country; and, currently within the entity that promotes and protects human rights and within them to the rights of users and consumers framed in instruments that guarantee rights, with emphasis on the protection of one of the priority attention groups that are users and consumers, thus considered according to
constitutional principles, legal.