When Air Vanuatu first began operations nearly 30 years ago, like the rest of the world, very few women were in management positions. Fast forward to 2016 and it’s a very different story.
“From our CFO to our GM of Safety, cabin crew to sales staff, women play an important role at Air Vanuatu,” Chief Executive Officer Joseph Laloyer said.
“The leadership and camaraderie is hugely beneficial to our younger employees. We’re very fortunate to have such talented women at the airline.”
Women make up a large proportion of the airline’s employees, many in management roles. Recently, the women leaders got together to discuss their time at Air Vanuatu.
“The best thing about my job is I have the best view in the world,” says Twin Otter First Officer Stephany Tarileo.
“I have been with Air Vanuatu since 2013 and I love my job. Every day is different, from the clouds to the clear views of our beautiful volcanoes – I wouldn’t trade it for any other.”
Tarileo is just one of the airline’s female pilots and one day hopes to become a Captain on the Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
Air Vanuatu’s Sydney airport manager Julianne Spillane is Vanuatu through and through.
She says the only thing that would stop her working at Air Vanuatu is if she won tattslotto.
“Working for a small airline, you are able to build up a repour with the regular travellers and it’s nice for them to be recognised each time they travel.”
Ms Spillane says the people that you meet along the way are another reason why she loves her job.
Lisa Guillain is a bit of a phoenix at Air Vanuatu. The current cargo manager, has worked across several departments at Air Vanuatu from sales and ticketing to catering.
It’s the relationships Guillain values the most.
“The best thing about working in aviation is the exposure to the rest of the world; meeting new and different people that work within it or who are linked to the aviation industry worldwide.”
Brisbane airport manager Donna Downs has also had a long history in aviation, but working for Air Vanuatu has meant she now has a second home in one of the happiest nations on the planet.
“I love coming to Vila – especially staying at the Holiday Inn and going on the Zipline! A great holiday that combines relaxation and adventure.”
Often it’s the behind the scenes women that contribute the most at Air Vanuatu. Katie White is the senior sales consultant in Australia – the office literally would not run without her.
Katie is often at the end of the phone or email when buying or changing your ticket and definitely in the rare event of a delay.
Eileen Barthelemy is the executive assistant at head office. There is nothing this woman doesn’t know about Air Vanuatu and has been fiercely loyal to the airline and management for many years.
Air Vanuatu is an equal opportunity employer and being the national carrier of Vanuatu, they pride themselves on recruiting local people first in all departments across the airline.