JetBlue (Nasdaq: JBLU) has hosted its 10th annual Fly Like a Girl event in Boston. The program, which took place on Saturday, October 19, brought together more than 100 girls aged 8-14.Participants were able to explore aviation careers through hands-on experiences with female JetBlue crew members. As the only U.S. airline with a female CEO, JetBlue continues to lead in gender diversity. Women hold over 30% of officer and director positions at the airline.
Their innovative Gateways programs for pilots and technicians have achieved remarkable diversity, with women making up more than 25% of all participants and nearly half of those in internal career development tracks Being Boston’s favorite airline means investing in our community’s future, said Ursula Hurley, JetBlue Foundation president and chief financial officer.
This tenth Fly Like a Girl event represents a decade of breaking down barriers for underrepresented groups in aviation. Through the JetBlue Foundation, we’re creating vital pathways into our industry while championing STEM education diversity.
The event featured strong community support, including appearances by U.S. Representative Ayanna Pressley and Massport’s Deputy Director of Aviation Customer Service, Mia Healy-Waldron. Congresswoman Pressley praised the program’s impact, encouraging participants to dream big and embrace every opportunity.
Throughout the day, young participants immersed themselves in various aspects of aviation operations. They engaged with ten accomplished female pilots who shared their experiences and insights about life in the cockpit.
The students also had valuable interactions with brand design managers and technical operators. They were able to learn about the diverse career opportunities available in the aviation industry. A highlight of the event was the comprehensive tour of an Airbus A321 aircraft, where participants got an up-close look at modern aviation technology. The experience was further enhanced by visits to operational areas, including baggage handling facilities and cargo operations, providing a complete picture of airport operations.
Events like Fly Like a Girl do more than educate – they empower the next generation of women aviators, said Healy-Waldron. Massport proudly supports JetBlue’s mission to increase female representation in aviation The timing of this year’s event coincides with JetBlue’s expansion plans across New England, which include a 20% increase in regional seating capacity by winter.
Through partnerships with Massport, JetBlue’s Women in Flight Crewmember Resource Group, and various internal teams, the airline continues to demonstrate its commitment to fostering aviation interest among young women.
Inspiring future aviators means showing them diverse career pathways and representation in our industry, explained Icema Gibbs, JetBlue’s vice president of CSR and DEI. Fly Like a Girl creates an immersive learning environment where students can envision their future in aviation while connecting with our crew members and community.
The success of this year’s Boston event underscores JetBlue’s ongoing dedication to diversifying the aviation industry. By providing hands-on experiences and direct access to female role models, the airline is actively working to break down traditional barriers and create new opportunities for the next generation of aviation professionals. T
he program’s decade-long run has already inspired countless young women to pursue careers in aviation, and enjoys continued support from industry partners and community leaders. Tts impact is expected to grow even further in the coming years. As JetBlue expands its presence in the Northeast, events like Fly Like a Girl remain central to its mission of building a more inclusive and diverse aviation industry.
