CAE, the global leader in aviation training, made an impactful announcement today at the Farnborough International Airshow, chalet C122-122A. Elle Betchley has been named the fifteenth CAE Women in Flight Ambassador. This designation places her at the forefront of a growing movement aimed at raising awareness of the possibilities for women in the aviation sector. Launched in 2018, the CAE Women in Flight program encourages women to pursue aviation careers, fostering a network of female pilots who serve as role models for the next generation.
Elle Betchley: A New Chapter Begins
Elle Betchley is currently a participant in the CAE Generation easyJet Pilot Training Program, specifically designed by CAE for easyJet. This competency-based program includes specialized training on CAE’s Airbus A320 Flight Training Devices (FTD) and Full Flight Simulators (FFS). The training is followed by base and line training with easyJet, after which Elle will join the airline as a co-pilot on the Airbus A320. Through this program, CAE will train up to 200 easyJet pilots annually until 2028.
A Full Scholarship for a Bright Future
As a CAE Women in Flight Ambassador, Elle Betchley benefits from a full scholarship worth more than €100,000, enabling her to complete her training without financial burden. She has just finished her ground training at CAE’s London Gatwick training center and is now preparing to start her foundation flight training. In her ambassadorial role, Elle is committed to encouraging women to explore aviation careers, thereby contributing to a more diverse and inclusive aviation industry.
Diversity as a Norm
Marie-Christine Cloutier, CAE’s Vice-President of Performance, Strategy, and Marketing, emphasizes the importance of diversity in aviation. “We have established a reputation for delivering the highest standards of pilot training, and we recognize that it is our responsibility as an industry leader to support the advancement of women in aviation and broaden the civil aviation talent pool,” she explains. With women comprising only four to six percent of professional pilots worldwide, and a projected need for 300,000 new pilots by 2032, CAE aims to attract more women to the profession through role models like Elle.
From Agronomy to Aviation
Elle’s journey to becoming a pilot is unique and inspiring. Initially trained as an agronomist, she spent seven years in the agricultural sector. Despite her admiration for pilots, she never considered herself a candidate for the profession until her husband, also a participant in the CAE Generation easyJet Pilot Training Program, inspired her. Now, Elle is determined to not only excel as a pilot but also to change perceptions and inspire young women to dream big.
The Rigorous Selection Process
Becoming a CAE Women in Flight Ambassador is no small feat. The selection process is rigorous, involving multi-layered applications, written tests, and video interviews. Input from Women in Aviation International and the airline ensures that only the most dedicated and promising candidates are chosen. Elle’s ambition is to pave the way for more female recruits, showcasing what women can achieve in aviation.
Empowering Women, Changing Perceptions
Elle Betchley’s role as a CAE Women in Flight Ambassador goes beyond flying. She aims to change how people think about women in aviation and inspire young women to realize their potential. “I wanted to become a CAE Women in Flight Ambassador from the day I applied for the pilot training at CAE. This is not just about inspiring women; it’s about changing how people think,” she says. By showing young women what is achievable, Elle hopes to shape the future workforce of the aviation industry.
A Vision for the Future
The CAE Women in Flight Ambassador Program aims to do much more than support future female pilots. It is focused on developing a network of like-minded ambassadors and professionals who demonstrate that diversity in aviation should be the norm, not the exception. Through this program, CAE is working to ensure that the aviation industry becomes more inclusive, attracting a broader range of talents and perspectives.
Shaping the Skies: A Brighter Future for Women in Aviation
Elle Betchley’s appointment as a CAE Women in Flight Ambassador marks a significant step forward in promoting gender diversity within the aviation industry. As she embarks on her journey, Elle will not only inspire future generations of women aviators but also contribute to reshaping the industry’s workforce. With the support of CAE and the aviation community, the skies are set to become a place where diversity and excellence soar together.
