Malawi Airlines flew the first all-female flight in the country’s history. Yolanda Ndala-Kaunda Malawi’s first female captain was the captain at the cockpit.
“I have been flying for nine years. And in the nine years, I was the only woman in the flight bag, so for me I am really happy that there is someone else who can join me and I’m hoping that there will even more in the coming years.” Captain Ndala-Kaunda told VOA
Women handled the entire operations, support and formed the cabin crew to successfully fly the Bombardier Q400 from Chileka International Airport in Blantrye, Malawi to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
From security checks, customer service, check-ins, air traffic control to cabin procedures, ground control officers, police and immigration officials were also all female.
The Airlines says that the flight is meant to inspire women’s empowerment and encourage more girls to pursue careers in aviation. According to Malawi Airlines only 36 percent of its workforce is women and only two of the company’s 12 pilots are women.
“Somehow they think maybe aviation is only for boys or it’s only for men because it is too technical. So we are trying to show to them that women too are as capable to succeed in these fields.” Joseph Josiah, spokesman for Malawian Airlines, said
“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,” said Malawi Airlines Chief Executive Officer Ahadu Simachew
First Lady of the Republic of Malawi Madame Getrude Mutharika who was accompanied by Mary Chilima the wife to Vice President Saulos Chilima saw off the ladies.
Dr. Gertrude Mutharika said the all-women flight was a symbol that Malawi was on the right track towards women empowerment.
We booked our place in the aviation history books today with our maiden all-women operated and supported flight…. https://t.co/SzXwr1tIvB
— Malawi Airlines (@MalawiAirlines) March 16, 2017
