The Spanish company Iberia, which is part of the IAG Group, has reinforced its commitment to diversity and the appreciation of women. Within this, the company has named its new Airbus A320neo in honor of the first female Spanish pilot. Maria Bernaldo de Quirós was the chosen name.
About 6% of the company's technical crew are women, which represents 85 of the pilot staff. Even though it seems little, these numbers are still above the world average in aviation.
Configured to carry up to 186 engers, the new A320neo have given good results in of economy. The new aircraft has a range of 6.300km or 3.400 nautical miles, which allows the company to fly medium-sized flights to slightly more distant destinations.
Maria is from Madrid, Spain, she always had the dream of being able to fly and become a pilot since she was a child. She got her license to fly in 1928, training and learning aboard a de Havilland DH.60 Moth at Aerodromo de Getafe. Her talent and dedication became, and especially the acrobatics, generated a highlight and she earned the nickname of “Miss Golondrina”
One of her most memorable performances was one in Northern Spain where she ran over a car with the Duke of Segovia and threw rose petals over it and covered it up.
Even during the 1920s, the aviation prodigy reached its golden years, as did other important names in Spanish aviation. Maria has become a symbol strongly for women, especially after an interview that highlighted a phrase said by her.
“As public opinion evolves, people will realize that women can do more than just embroider.”
Maria retired after an eight-year career in aviation after the second Spanish civil war, also being an instructor. However, even with little time in aviation, Maria was revolutionary in motivating and showing the women of the time that they could go further than they imagined.
In addition to motivating, Maria showed that aviation also had room for women, even pilots. Iberia's idea is to use Maria's story as motivation for today, motivating women who want to pursue a career in aviation.
Along with this new A320neo, all the others will also be named after important people in Spanish aviation and the most beloved places in Spain.
