Malawi’s all-woman flight

Joining a trend that is rewriting the aviation history books, Malawi’s national flag carrier Malawian Airlines has booked its space with its first flight to be operated and supported by an all-woman team,  Michael Bartlett writes.

 The Bombardier Q-400 flew from Blantyre to Dar es Salaam and back with Captain Yolanda Ndala Kaunda and First Officer Lusekelo Mwenifumbo in command of the flight deck and flight technician Saba Solomon certifying take-offs. 

Control towers at Kamuzu International Airport (KIA), where a reception was held before take-off for Dar es Salaam, were also in the hands of three women, Patricia Mwafulirwa, Chikondi Chadza and Jelia Kalinda. 

Josephine Chapuma and Isabel Kamanga took care of the cabin to complete the crew, while security, check-in and fire-fighting personnel were all women.

Airline CEO Ahadu Simachew said the special flight was put together to show women were happy to handle challenging endeavours such as flying which are mostly dominated by men.

“We decided to organise this historic event with the aim to encourage young girls who aspire to pursue careers in aviation but somehow think it is hard and too technical or that it is a no-go zone for women,” he added.

“What we are witnessing today is a symbol that women too can thrive in male-dominated fields. All they need is for us to level the playing field.”

www.malawian-airlines.com

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