Diversity, industry ties strengthened through
aviation conference
Boeing hosts International Aviation Women's Association gathering in Seattle
“Having a strong mentor to help guide and inspire me was an important part of my journey,” said
Capt. Suzanna Darcy-Hennemann, chief pilot for Boeing Flight Services, Commercial Airplanes,
during the 26th annual conference of the International Aviation Women’s Association. DarcyHennemann, the first woman to pilot the 747-400 and 777 jetliners, gave the conference’s
keynote address. (Colleen Pfeilschiefter photo)
Sallie Bondy of Business Operations, director of Boeing Fabrication for Commercial Airplanes
and a member of the International Aviation Women's Association (IAWA) board of directors,
kicks off the association’s 26th annual conference at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel in Seattle.
(Marian Lockhart photo)
When women executives from the world's aviation industry gathered in Seattle last week to
discuss important issues, a pioneering aviator who practices what she preaches set the tone.
“The key ingredient to all great things is being bold,” said Capt. Suzanna Darcy-Hennemann,
who was the first woman to pilot the 747-400 and 777 jetliners, including a flight listed in the
Guinness World Book of Records that broke a distance record and two speed records.
But bold deeds are only half the equation, said Darcy-Hennemann, who also is chief pilot for
Boeing Flight Services in Commercial Airplanes.
“A big part of being bold is lifelong learning and using your knowledge to reach out and help
others be successful,” she said in her keynote address, titled "Test Pilots Don't Wear Pearls," to
the 26th annual International Aviation Women's Association (IAWA) conference earlier this
month.
“Having a strong mentor to help guide and inspire me was an important part of my journey,” she
said, “and that’s why I feel it’s important to help others early in their careers.”
The association’s membership spans 33 countries that recognize and support women leaders in
aviation and aerospace. Boeing hosted the conference, which drew more than 300 aerospace
professionals from manufacturing, airlines, leasing, cargo, academia, government, law and space.
They shared knowledge and best practices and conferred on aircraft maintenance, emergency
responsiveness, the growing Asian market and leadership development.
“We are proud to support an association that promotes and recognizes diversity within aviation,”
said Kris Fellrath, vice president of Business Operations for Commercial Airplanes and chair of
the IAWA advisory board.
“The strength of IAWA’s network is an invaluable asset, especially for women early in their
leadership careers, who gain inspiration and encouragement from respected and proven women
within the industry,” Fellrath added.
Boeing participants included retired and current women leaders. The three-day conference
provided Boeing with an opportunity to strengthen bonds with commercial airplane customers,
suppliers and regulatory contacts. Participants also included professionals with Alaska Airlines,
FedEx, United Airlines, Qatar Airways, Air France and Southwest Airlines.
"Boeing remains committed to providing world-class products and services to our customers,”
Fellrath said. “It is our privilege to connect, educate and inspire the next generation of aviation
pioneers."
By Ann Schmidt