Twenty years ago, Brussels Airlines proudly welcomed its first fully licensed female technician to its maintenance facilities. Carolien Sterckx began her career in the early 2000s and officially became licensed in August, 2005.
Today, Brussels Airlines employs 28 women in its Maintenance and Engineering department, which still represents only 8% of the total workforce in that area.
Diversity and Inclusion at the core
Brussels Airlines values diversity and inclusion. A diverse workforce brings a wide range of skills, perspectives, and experiences, making the company more flexible and creative. These qualities are essential for innovation and adaptability. This diversity also enables a deeper understanding of customer needs, contributing to the development of more customer-focused products and services.
Overall, 52% of Brussels Airlines employees are women. Female representation is also strong at the executive level, where 9 out of 20 (47%) top managers are women. However, gender representation varies significantly across departments.
Ground Operations (including check-in, gate, and lounges) has the highest proportion of female employees at 76%, followed by Cabin Crew at 72%. Departments with the lowest representation of women include IT (26%), Cockpit (10%), and Maintenance and Engineering (8%).
A milestone in evolution
Exactly 20 years ago, the first woman became a fully licensed aircraft technician at Brussels Airlines. Carolien Sterckx, who is still at the company today, has transitioned from technician to a supervisory role.
“As a little girl, I was fascinated by airplanes, and even after 20 years in the industry, that fascination is still there. My job has changed over the years, but I still come to work with pleasure. And I’m happy I’m no longer the only woman in Maintenance and Engineering, and I’m looking forward to welcome even more female colleauges”, Carolien Sterckx, Maintenance Control Center Engineer, at Brussels Airlines, says.
Today, Carolien is joined by 27 other talented women in the Maintenance and Engineering department.
“I spent most of my career in administrative roles, but at one point I realized I wanted to work with my hands. That’s when I became a cabin technician at Brussels Airlines, and I haven’t regretted it since. It’s important to challenge stereotypes—women are just as capable as men in technical roles. Anyone who’s passionate about aviation and enjoys hands-on work is more than welcome”, Pascale Slootmans, Cabin Repair Technician, Brussels Airlines, says.
Currently, Brussels Airlines has 24 open positions, 16 of which are in the Maintenance and Engineering department. All vacancies can be found on the careers page of the Brussels Airlines website.
Brussels Airlines news
- Brussels Airlines launch customer for new Virtual Reality pilot training within Lufthansa Group: Lufthansa Aviation Training and Airbus developed new software to enhance pilot trainings.
- Brussels Airlines expects strong summer 2025 with boosted capacity.
- Brussels Airlines set to transport 1 million passengers during Easter and spring 2025 holiday season.
- Brussels Airlines enhances long-haul Business Class experience.
- Brussels Airlines unveils ‘Atomium’: the newest Belgian Icon and brings yet another little piece of Belgium in the air.
- Brussels Airlines, Beobank and Mastercard launch credit cards with exclusive benefits.
- Brussels Airlines Celebrates Aviation Heritage: 100 years of connecting with Africa.
- REVIEW | ‘Welkom Aan Boord’ ft. Brussels Airlines shows reality of an airline.
- Brussels Airlines launches ‘A little piece of Belgium in the air’ campaign.
- Brussels Airlines will welcome 3 more A320neo aircraft in the fleet by summer 2026.
- BRUSSELS AIRLINES | Michelin-star Chef Arabelle Meirlaen presents Business Class menu for 2025.
- Brussels Airlines launches most extensive offer ever to Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Brussels Airlines expands in summer 2025: more seats, higher frequencies and over 300 extra jobs.
- Brussels Airlines Training Centre.
- Brussels Airlines switches from AmEx to Mastercard and Beobank to earn Miles & More.
- Brussels Airlines prepares for 2024-2025 winter season, adding more sun to its destinations.
- Brussels Airlines expands its fleet and invests in new cabin interior.
- Brussels Airlines pleased with its punctuality during 2024 summer holiday season.
- Brussels Airlines’ new Belgian Icon livery to be more Belgian than ever: public gets to vote.
- Brussels Airlines wins prestigious wine awards.
- Brussels Airlines is ready for the busy 2024 summer season.
- Brussels Airlines now connects Belgium and Nairobi in Kenya.
- Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings and Lufthansa present four ‘Yes to Europe’ aircraft in Brussels.
- World premiere: Brussels Airlines and Tomorrowland present aircraft with augmented reality in new livery.
- Brussels Airlines sees increase of leisure travellers in business class.
- Brussels Airlines’ The Loft wins Europe’s Leading Airline Lounge award for the sixth time in a row.
- Brussels Airlines drops new uniforms and more inclusive style guide.
- Brussels Airlines’ first Airbus A320neo performs its maiden flight to Vienna.
- Brussels Airlines and Tomorrowland party flights to use 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel.
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