A l’occasion de la journée des femmes, nous vous proposons de découvrir ensemble les portraits de femmes engagées et passionnées de notre belle et grande famille d’Aéropyrénées !

   1.Can you introduce yourself in a few words?

“Hello, I am Ghislaine BARRERE, CEO of AÉROPYRÉNÉES.”

   2.What has your career path been so far?

“Before becoming the head of AÉROPYRÉNÉES, I held various administrative positions within the company.”

    3.Why work in the aviation sector? And why Aéropyrénées?

“Just as much as aviation, it was the human contact that excited me at the start of my career.”

    4.Have you faced challenges as a woman in the workplace?

“Absolutely, especially when positions of responsibility arise in a male-dominated environment.”

   5.What advice would you give to women looking to enter this field?

“Ignore the educational prejudices, both in studies and in paternalism.”

   6.Which woman inspires you?

“Simone VEIL.

     1.Can you introduce yourself in a few words?

“My name is Marie, I’m 25 years old, and I have been an aircraft mechanic at Aéropyrénées since 2016, as well as a pilot in my spare time. I’ve always been drawn to mechanics for as long as I can remember. Today, restoring and maintaining aircraft remains my passion.”

     2.What has your career path been so far?

“I completed a professional baccalaureate with a focus on systems and airframes, which lasted three years, and then I supplemented my studies with a complementary year in ‘piston turbine aircraft and helicopter’ maintenance. I’ve always been interested in maintenance. Even back when I was 11, I was repairing motorcycles in my father’s garage. For me, giving these machines a second life and making them work like new again is the passion that drives me every day—it feels like a second wind.”

     3.Why work in the aviation sector? And why Aéropyrénées?

“My choice to enter the aviation sector was quite logical; there are many more opportunities here than in the auto-moto field. Ultimately, it’s just as fascinating. As for Aéropyrénées, it’s a daily challenge! My experience at Aéropyrénées is hard to explain… It’s about arriving in the morning not knowing how your day will unfold. I get to work on all types of systems (hydraulic, mechanical, electrical) and tackle varied activities depending on the aircraft model or issue. Every day, there’s a new surprise waiting for me in the workshop! Another advantage in my field is the lack of strict working hours. After work, my little pleasure is flying, which serves as my reward and adds to my motivation. This lifestyle suits me perfectly.”

    4.Have you faced challenges as a woman in the workplace?

“Have I faced challenges as a female mechanic? Not really!”

    5.What advice would you give to women looking to enter this field?

“Have confidence in yourself. Never give up, and take comments with a sense of humor.”

    6.Which woman inspires you?

“Claire Merouze, the first female fighter pilot on the Rafale and a recipient of the Legion of Honor. she’s a brilliant and passionate woman.”

    1.Can you introduce yourself in a few words?

“My name is Alexandra ATKINSON, I’m 42 years old, a mother of a 14-year-old girl, and I lead a blended family with five children. I have been working at Aéropyrénées for one year as an administrative officer at the Toussus le Noble base.”

    2.What has your career path been so far?

“I have been in my profession for over 20 years and have had the chance to explore various fields throughout my career. I have always chosen to work in SMEs because they allow you to see the direct impact of your work. I also appreciate the versatility and diversity in my various tasks.”

    3.Why work in the aviation sector? And why Aéropyrénées?

“The aviation sector has been a significant discovery for me. Working with passionate individuals every day allows me to thrive in a friendly and family-like environment. While rigor is essential, a great atmosphere makes all the difference.”

“Aéropyrénées, with its 50 years of experience, is recognized for its quality of instruction and support for its trainees.”

    4.Have you faced challenges as a woman in the workplace?

“Gender inequalities are unfortunately still very prominent in the workplace. This is particularly evident in salary disparities, as women continue to earn less than their male counterparts. Additionally, achieving a balance between private and professional life is challenging for women, as it can be difficult to be a mother while building a career.”

    5.What advice would you give to women looking to enter this field?

“You don’t need to know how to fly to work in aviation. The variety of jobs offers numerous opportunities for both men and women. You just have to dare to apply, stop self-censoring, and ask yourself, ‘Why not me?'”

    6.Which woman inspires you?

“My mother, she is the strongest woman I know.”

     1.Can you introduce yourself in a few words?

“I’m Pauline Murati, 29 years old, originally from Corsica. I’ve been in Perpignan since March 2021 to start my airline pilot training, and I am now an instructor at Aéropyrénées.”

     2.What has your career path been so far?

“I started as cabin crew (PNC) for three years. After COVID and a decrease in activity, I decided to embark on the ATPI adventure. I began my training at Aéropyrénées in March 2021 and graduated in October 2022, at which point I continued my instructor training.”

    3.Why work in the aviation sector? And why Aéropyrénées?

“I have always been drawn to the aviation sector since childhood. When I was 10, I often asked my parents to take me to the airport just to watch the planes, and I could spend hours there.”

“I chose Aéropyrénées because it was important for me to feel comfortable in a new environment as I started this ‘new life.’ I visited several schools, but at Aéropyrénées in Perpignan, I found the atmosphere of a ‘large flying club’—it truly feels like one big family!”

    4.Have you faced challenges as a woman in the workplace?

“Not really! I have a strong character, and I rarely let others walk all over me!”

    5.What advice would you give to women looking to enter this field?

“If it’s your passion and one of your dreams, GO FOR IT! Even now, I find it hard to believe that I’ve accomplished something extraordinary—just a few years ago, I never thought I’d be capable of this. I’m proud of my success, and I wake up every morning happy to go to work.”

    6.Which woman inspires you?

“I find Jacqueline AURIOL’s story exceptional. She was the second female test pilot in France after Adrienne BOLLAND, and she achieved numerous successes, including setting a female speed record of 855.92 km/h in a Mistral jet in 1952. She later reclaimed her title with a record of 1,151 km/h on a Mirage III on May 31, 1955. She is truly a determined and courageous woman.”

     1.Can you introduce yourself in a few words?

“Hello, my name is Johana Ruby, I’m 28 years old, and I am a flight instructor at Aéropyrénées.”

     2.What has your career path been so far?

“I started with a literary baccalaureate and then studied law at university. It was only after taking an introductory flight that I decided to pursue airline pilot training. I followed the program at Aéropyrénées, and after obtaining my licenses, I decided to train as an instructor because I felt the need and desire to pass on what I had learned.”

     3.Why work in the aviation sector? And why Aéropyrénées?

“Flying is a very intense passion for me; I can’t live without it, which is why I decided to make it my profession. Aéropyrénées is a big family that I’m proud to be a part of, and it was important for me to teach at the school that trained me.”

     4.Have you faced challenges as a woman in the workplace?

“Like many women, I have unfortunately faced challenges in my previous jobs, but to my surprise, I haven’t encountered that in the aviation industry. I believe it is a field much less male-dominated than one might think.”

      5.What advice would you give to women looking to enter this field?

“Jobs and fields don’t have a gender; prejudices exist only in our minds. You need the courage to take the plunge in life.”

      6.Which woman inspires you?

“I think of Marie GOUZE, known as Olympe de Gouges, an 18th-century woman recognized for her feminist stance. She dared to denounce the slavery of Black people and advocated for the civil and political rights of women. She was ahead of her time, being one of the first to demand gender equality in institutions.”

    1.Can you introduce yourself in a few words?

“My name is Laurence CHOLET. I have been an administrative assistant since November 2020.”

    2.What has your career path been so far?

“I’ve had the chance to work in various roles over the years, including waitress, bartender, housekeeper, retail employee, veterinary assistant, horse trekking company manager, reservation agent at AIR LOYAUTE, airport agent, technical office assistant, billing manager, and I was also a stay-at-home mom for several years with three children.”

    3.Why work in the aviation sector? And why Aéropyrénées?

“Working in aviation was an opportunity for me; I was looking to change jobs and switch sectors.”

    4.Have you faced challenges as a woman in the workplace?

“In terms of women’s roles in the workplace, especially in aviation in New Caledonia, it’s a very male-dominated field. I worked in the technical office with many men and very few women, so it was quite a macho environment.”

    5.What advice would you give to women looking to enter this field?

“My advice is to hang in there, not just in aviation, but in all sectors. If you want something, you can achieve it!”

    6.Which woman inspires you?

“Simone Veil, for all she has done for women.”