A few months ago, we welcomed a new member to our Student Services team, George. We spoke with him to discuss his job role and give us an insight into student welfare and support. 

Today we are celebrating the significance of International Women's Day.

Established in 1911, this day is a focal point for the movement of women's rights. Just as we will celebrate the achievement of men on 19th November, today we are taking time to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women and most notably, pilots. 

the first women in aviation 

Amelia Earhart is probably the most well known women in aviation history, however there have been many other pioneers. The first woman to pilot a heavier than air craft was a french sculptor and aviator, called Therese Peltier (in 1908), and just two years later, Baroness Raymonde de Laroche was the first woman to be granted her pilot's licence. However it was 62 years before Yvonne Pope (who started out as a flight attendant) became the first woman to fly a commercial jet.

Last year marked the centennial anniversary of the First World War and a significant moment in the history of transport. You can view a timeline of 100 years of women in transport and its impact here: www.wes.org.uk

However our focus today is on the present, and our female pilots who have overcome their own challenges, and inspire us and other aviation enthusiasts.