Breaking Down Barriers in the Cockpit: Flying in Africa
The desire to become a pilot is driven by enthusiasm, determination, and the aspiration to push boundaries for many prospective pilots. As she makes her mark in the skies over Africa, Captain Jaqueline Ramos, a successful A320 Captain, exemplifies these traits. In an exclusive interview with Brookfield Aviation International, she discusses her experiences, the challenges she has faced as a female pilot, and her outlook on the future of aviation in Africa.
For Captain Ramos, aviation runs in the family. Inspired by her father, a professional airline pilot, she was exposed to the industry from an early age. “I always had the chance to follow him, discovering the routine and challenges of this career,” she recalls. But her journey wasn’t just about following in his footsteps, it was about charting her own course. Seeking adventure and professional growth, she set her sights on Africa, eager to expand her experience by flying in new environments.
Aviation has long been a male-dominated industry, and although great strides have been made toward inclusivity, female pilots still face challenges. In Africa, Captain Ramos notes, “Sometimes people are still surprised to see a woman in the cockpit.” However, rather than seeing this as a setback, she embraces the opportunity to challenge stereotypes and inspire other women to pursue aviation careers.
Experience while flying in Africa
Flying in Africa presents both rewarding experiences and operational challenges. “It is as professional as any other place, with high standards,” says Captain Ramos. However, pilots must also consider unique factors such as varying infrastructure, diverse weather conditions, and different regulatory environments across the continent.
Cultural diversity is another aspect that makes flying in Africa a remarkable experience. Captain Ramos enjoys discovering new cultures and improving her French as she flies across different countries. "Flying around Africa inspires me to learn more about the area and its people," she says.
The Role of Women in Aviation
As a trailblazing female pilot, Captain Ramos takes pride in seeing more women entering the field. “I feel very happy and responsible for contributing to the improvement of women’s professional careers in aviation here in Africa,” she says. However, she believes there is still much work to be done.
The Future of African Aviation
Africa’s aviation industry is expanding, and Captain Ramos sees great potential for further growth. “Africa is a big continent, and I would like to see more airlines growing and offering opportunities to help develop the aviation environment here.” She advocates for greater investment in infrastructure, training programmes, and recruitment initiatives that encourage more women to pursue aviation careers.
At Brookfield Aviation International, we have continuously acknowledged the need for more women in the cockpit as well as the enormous potential of Africa's aviation sector. Building international aviation talent and assisting experts like Captain Jaqueline Ramos, who are influencing inclusion and diversity in aviation, are priorities for us.
Inspirational stories like Captain Ramos's serve as a potent reminder that determination, enthusiasm, and dedication can overcome obstacles as aviation develops further. To ensure that aviation has a diverse, inclusive, and opportunity-rich future, Brookfield Aviation is delighted to be a part of this journey.
