Women make the world fly

On International Women’s Day, SWISS took off with an all-female crew—not just in the air but on the ground as well. From pushback drivers to pilots to air traffic controllers in Gothenburg, the day was entirely in the hands of women. A powerful statement for equality and visibility in aviation. It was a day that showed what’s possible—and one that will be remembered for a long time.

The SWISS crew is looking forward to the special day. Front row, from left to right: Captain Annina Annaheim, First Officer Elina Piesbergen. Back row: Cabin Crew Member Jamila Ackermann, Flavia Huder, Maître de Cabine Maria Porto Estevez, Cabin Crew Member Tanja Vasilic.
The SWISS crew is looking forward to the special day. Front row, from left to right: Captain Annina Annaheim, First Officer Elina Piesbergen. Back row: Cabin Crew Member Jamila Ackermann, Flavia Huder, Maître de Cabine Maria Porto Estevez, Cabin Crew Member Tanja Vasilic.
During the crew briefing, the team prepares for the flight.
During the crew briefing, the team prepares for the flight.
At the Operation Control Center at Zurich Airport, Aylin Gaam and Yvonne Haller from the Passenger Care Center take care of the passengers' well-being.
At the Operation Control Center at Zurich Airport, Aylin Gaam and Yvonne Haller from the Passenger Care Center take care of the passengers' well-being.
On March 8, not only the flight crew is in female hands, but also the ground handling – as seen here during the loading of the aircraft.
On March 8, not only the flight crew is in female hands, but also the ground handling – as seen here during the loading of the aircraft.
For Cabin Crew Members Jamila Ackermann and Flavia Huder, it is a special day – they rarely fly with an all-female cockpit crew. However, for them, it’s the person that matters, not the gender.
For Cabin Crew Members Jamila Ackermann and Flavia Huder, it is a special day – they rarely fly with an all-female cockpit crew. However, for them, it’s the person that matters, not the gender.
In Gothenburg, Loading Supervisor Louise Dahlström checks the baggage numbers before suitcases and bags are loaded onto the aircraft for the return flight.
In Gothenburg, Loading Supervisor Louise Dahlström checks the baggage numbers before suitcases and bags are loaded onto the aircraft for the return flight.

Saturday, March 8: For the passengers of LX1226 and LX1227, the flight to Gothenburg and back to Zurich began like any other—until Captain Annina Annaheim made her announcement:

"Dear guests, you may have noticed—today, an all-female crew is flying this flight. Even during our turnaround in Gothenburg, only women are on duty. We wish you a pleasant flight. Today, women make the world fly."

At this moment, it became clear: today was special. Not just in the cockpit and cabin, but also on the ground, women were running the entire operation—from baggage handling to pushback and refueling in Gothenborg. Passengers were greeted by Gate Agent Sina Meni in Zurich, and in Gothenburg, for the first time, only women and children were invited to board first—bringing smiles all around.

A unique atmosphere filled the day—because an all-female crew is still rare. Flight attendant Flavia Huder confirmed: “Having two female pilots in the cockpit and so many women working on the ground is something you don’t see often.”

Gate Agent Sina Meni from Swissport welcomes passengers at the gate in Zurich.
Gate Agent Sina Meni from Swissport welcomes passengers at the gate in Zurich.
Tanja Vasilic hands out cards for International Women’s Day together with her colleagues.
Tanja Vasilic hands out cards for International Women’s Day together with her colleagues.
The SWISS chocolates are a must at the end of the flight – Maître de Cabine Maria Porto Estevez hands them out personally.
The SWISS chocolates are a must at the end of the flight – Maître de Cabine Maria Porto Estevez hands them out personally.
In Gothenburg, women and children are allowed to board first and receive a red rose for International Women's Day.
In Gothenburg, women and children are allowed to board first and receive a red rose for International Women's Day.

Visible change

The numbers speak for themselves: women in aviation are still not the norm. At SWISS, five percent of pilots are women, but the trend is rising. In current training programs, the figure has already reached 13 percent. In technical roles, the number is also increasing, now at eight percent. SWISS actively supports this progress with targeted programs, events, and role models to encourage more women to pursue careers in aviation.

Lara Schaub, an Aircraft Engineer B1 at SWISS, recalls her early days: “When I started at SWISS twelve years ago, there wasn’t even a separate women’s locker room.” She works in Line Maintenance, the department responsible for aircraft servicing and repairs. “Today, I see more and more female colleagues—and that’s a great feeling.”

Lara Schaub will soon celebrate her 15th anniversary at SWISS. She is pleased to see that more and more women are becoming enthusiastic about the profession of Aircraft Engineer.
Lara Schaub will soon celebrate her 15th anniversary at SWISS. She is pleased to see that more and more women are becoming enthusiastic about the profession of Aircraft Engineer. © Sabina Diethelm
Sibylle Port, Duty Station Manager at SWISS, together with Salome Kappler, Operations Manager at Swissport.
Sibylle Port, Duty Station Manager at SWISS, together with Salome Kappler, Operations Manager at Swissport.
Nora Kodzadzakliev-Saiti, Ramp Supervisor Load bei Swissport. «Koordination, Präzision und Zusammenarbeit kennen kein Geschlecht.»
Nora Kodzadzakliev-Saiti, Ramp Supervisor Load at Swissport. ‘Coordination, precision and cooperation know no gender.’

Women are also setting new standards in ground operations. “It’s not about being a man or a woman—it’s about the skills you bring,” says Nora Kodzadzakliev-Saiti, Ramp Supervisor Load at Swissport. “My team and I proved today that an all-female team can load 2.5 tons of baggage. Coordination, precision, and teamwork have no gender.”

The journey to the cockpit

Challenges remain—social norms, a lack of role models, and the perception that certain jobs are too demanding or inaccessible. First Officer Elina Piesbergen is a prime example. She started her career as a cabin crew member before making the leap to the cockpit. “I thought you had to be a physics and math genius to become a pilot,” she recalls. “But when I realized that communication, social skills, and passion are just as important, I applied.” Today, she hopes to inspire young girls and future aviators. “My advice? Follow your dream—the sky has no limits.”

Another inspiring role model is Captain Annina Annaheim, who has been flying for 18 years and has witnessed the industry’s evolution. “Seeing a woman in the cockpit used to be a rare sight. Older women would often tell me how happy they were to see a female pilot. It makes me proud to know their fight for equality was worth it. It shows how important visibility is.”

SWISS Captain Annina Annaheim and First Officer Elina Piesbergen in the cockpit.
SWISS Captain Annina Annaheim and First Officer Elina Piesbergen in the cockpit.
Judith Ulmer from SWISS Crew Control
Judith Ulmer from SWISS Crew Control
Loading Supervisor Louise Dahlström and her team take care of the passengers' luggage.
Loading Supervisor Louise Dahlström and her team take care of the passengers' luggage.
Together with the ground staff in Gothenburg, the SWISS crew poses in front of the aircraft with registration HB-JDE.
Together with the ground staff in Gothenburg, the SWISS crew poses in front of the aircraft with registration HB-JDE.
The landing approach in Gothenburg couldn’t have been more beautiful.
The landing approach in Gothenburg couldn’t have been more beautiful.

Diversity as a success factor

For SWISS, this isn’t just symbolic—it’s a strategic choice. Diversity drives innovation and strengthens teams. Women belong in aviation—in every field. “It’s all about the right mix,” says Judith Ulmer, Shift Leader Crew Control, the department responsible for crew scheduling and handling unexpected situations like sick calls. “At SWISS, we’re truly open to everyone—and that makes all the difference.”

Looking ahead

Change takes time, but it’s unstoppable. Louise Dahlström, a Loading Supervisor in Gothenburg, puts it simply: “It’s still not common to see women in my field, but it should be.” She’s convinced the industry is moving in the right direction: “Eight years ago, there were only three women working in baggage handling. Now, we’re 25.”

Women like Louise Dahlström, pilot Annina Annaheim, and technician Lara Schaub—along with many others—are proving that change is possible when we work together.