Yesterday a group of British Women Pilots’ Association members visited BALPA, organised and jointly hosted with Lisa Humphrey, BWPA Coordinator South Region. It was fantastic to meet a group of women and allies passionate about aviation, there were pilots (including a hot air balloon pilot!), pilots in training, aspiring pilots and those working in the wider aviation industry. We heard from attendees about career journeys and barriers and a joint aspiration to make access to pilot training fairer.

The group were welcomed by BALPA’s General Secretary Amy Leversidge, and BALPA’s Director for Flight Safety, Policy and Regulation Joji Waites, who spoke about the important work of our committees and current campaigns. We heard from Stuart Bonar BALPA’s Head of Public Affairs who spoke about our work to influence decision makers and how powerful our voice can be. Finally one of BALPA’s National Officers, Sophia James CMgr MCMI gave a great run down of how we negotiate, represents and support pilots, and most importantly what we can achieve with members.