At an impressive rate, women are breaking the glass ceiling across various industries traditionally dominated by men. Enter an all-female flight crew who recently made headlines when they had a groundbreaking flight from Clark to Iloilo and back aboard an A320 Neo aircraft. Led by Capt. Shannen O'Sullivan and First Officer Clarisse Camille dela Tiña, these trailblazing women proved that the sky has no limits when it comes to chasing dreams—making quite a historic feat as Clark’s first all-female crew in historyHERstory.
In an exclusive interview, Cosmopolitan Philippines caught up with Clarisse, who spoke candidly about her experience leading the crew. "It makes me proud to have led an all-female crew alongside Capt. Shannen. As a First Officer, it’s my responsibility to assist the Captain in making sure the flight is safe and secure, and to be able to deliver that feels rewarding," she shared.
Clarisse’s humble beginnings
For Clarisse, the journey to being in the cockpit was not one she initially envisioned. From childhood dreams of being an actor to aspirations of becoming a lawyer, fate had a different plan in store for her. It all started when she developed a great interest in activities that require her to be airborne (skydiving, paragliding, you name it!). It’s also worth mentioning that her brother Capt. Clarence Mark dela Tiña is also a pilot for Cebu Pacific for more than a decade now, serving as one of her role models as she pursued her aviation career. She studied Masters in Flying School in Plaridel, Bulacan for her basic pilot training, then later went to Alpha Aviation Group in Clark, Pampanga, where she acquired her A320 rating.
Breaking gender barriers
Despite the common misconceptions that come with working in a male-dominated industry, all the challenges have only fueled Clarisse's determination to do well. She said, "Being a woman in the male-dominated world of aviation has made me believe in myself more. It has allowed me to feel empowered that indeed, the sky is the limit if we work hard in reaching our dreams.” Further, she also acknowledged the unwavering guidance she has received from a supportive aviation community, which has made her journey smoother and more rewarding.
Despite the strides made by other women in aviation, there are still instances where passengers express surprise or negativity upon discovering a woman at the helm of the aircraft. Clarisse calmly responds to such encounters by highlighting the dedication and skill that female pilots possess. "If men can do it, why can’t I?" she asserts. Truly, her steadfast belief in the abilities of women working in airlines translates to her excellence to challenge existing gender stereotypes and pave the way for a more inclusive industry.
Asked about her message for all the aspiring pilots who want to follow in her footsteps, she shares some encouraging words. "GO FOR IT! Don’t listen to the naysayers. We are not just women; we are dreamers and goal-setters! We are born strong and even more than that. Your dedication and consistency will bring you success.
“Don’t you ever give up! Patiently work on it until you see the sunshine and set right in front of your eyes inside the cockpit."
Clarisse also looks forward to more milestones with her other female crew members. "Flying with an all-female crew makes me feel powerful, esteemed, and unique. The unspoken bond and connection with my lady crews are surely undeniable," she concluded.
