Jessica De Melo joins Isle-Fly, the private air charter company as their first female pilot.
With an early interest in aviation, Jessica De Melo began flying aged 14. After training at various UK flying clubs and staring in commercial aviation at a young age, she soon became the youngest Pilot and Cabin Crew Safety and Emergency Procedures (SEP) trainer for Monarch.
De Melo completed her commercial pilot training in February 2021 with a first role as a pilot flying the older King Air 200 aircraft for EEL from East Midlands Airport and recently moved to Isle-Fly to further her experience in all aspects of aviation .
According to The International Society of Women Airline Pilots (ISWAP) published in 2020, only around 5% of pilots (globally) are female.
Director of Flight Operations, Paul Sabin said: “This is an important appointment for Isle-Fly, not just because of the extensive experience Jess brings to the team, but we hope her story and career will inspire more women to join the aviation industry. Jess’s passion for aviation is infectious and her dedication to aviation safety is extremely important to Isle-Fly and our passengers.
“Isle-Fly also has a commitment to its team allowing them to learn other aspects of the aviation industry to further their future careers and expertise. Jess will not only fly charter flight, but also work in the marketing and promotion of the company to its current and future clients.”
Jess’s career before joining Isle-Fly has included roles as the Senior Operations Officer for West Atlantic and Cabin Crew roles for Jet2 and Emirates. She then trained for the Airline Transport Pilot license at Oxford, where she also worked for a local flying club and a corporate jet company as an Operations Officer.
Jess De Melo (pictured) commented: !I have been around aircraft and airports throughout my life, but to now fly the new and modern fleet of King Airs at Isle-Fly is exciting for me as a pilot. I am looking forward to becoming part of the team and welcoming our clients on board.
“Aside from my work as a pilot, I am also passionate about encouraging more women to join the aviation industry. It has always been a male dominated industry, but with companies like Isle-Fly proactively looking to encourage more diversity, I believe more women will be present in flight decks around the world“
