CAE names Elle Betchley as latest Women in Flight ambassador

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CAE names Elle Betchley as latest Women in Flight ambassador

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Aviation International News | Aviation International News

By Sky Industry News

Jul 23, 2024

Flight training provider CAE has named Elle Betchley as the latest honoree in its Women in Flight Ambassador program, which aims to increase female participation in aviation by raising awareness about opportunities within the industry.

At the Farnborough Airshow on Tuesday, CAE announced that Betchley is the 15th woman to earn this title. She also participates in CAE's Generation EasyJet pilot training program, launched exclusively for the British budget airline. As an ambassador, Betchley will receive a scholarship worth more than €100,000 to complete her training.

CAE plans to train up to 200 EasyJet pilots annually through 2028. According to its 2023 aviation talent forecast, the industry requires approximately 300,000 new pilots by 2032.

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To become the 2024 Women in Flight Ambassador, Betchley underwent a rigorous selection process involving written tests, video interviews, multi-layered applications, and screening by the airline.

"Women make up only between 4 and 6 percent of professional pilots worldwide," said Marie-Christine Cloutier, CAE's vice president of strategy, performance, and marketing. "We want to help attract more women to join the profession. Through shining role models like Elle, we believe we can truly influence the next generation."

Betchley initially trained as an agronomist and worked in agriculture for seven years before deciding to become a pilot. She was inspired by her husband, who was also an EasyJet CAE pilot trainee.

"I wanted to become a CAE Women in Flight ambassador from the day I applied for pilot training at CAE. This is not just about inspiring women; it's about changing how people think," Betchley said.