Social media celebrates as PIA female pilots fly challenging Gilgit flight

PIA spokesperson says this is not the first time all-female crew steered aircraft

Social media is abuzz with a picture of two female pilots who flew a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Islamabad-Gilgit flight.

[fbpost link="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10156909556592323&set=a.10150089206792323.300553.647272322&type=3&permPage=1"]

Speaking to The Express Tribune, PIA spokesperson Mashood Tajwar confirmed that Capt Maryam Masood and First Officer Shumaila Mazhar piloted the ATR aircraft.

However, he pointed out that it was not the first time female pilots had commanded a flight. “Capt Ayesha Rabia and First Officer Saadia Aziz made the first all-female crew a few years ago.”

The PIA spokesperson said that the pairing of the two cockpit crew members was based on merit and was not intentional. “The flight crew is chosen out of a pool of rested pilots,” he added.

The flight to Gilgit is very challenging and requires a lot of precision and technique. Our dynamic duo, Captain Maryam Masood and First Officer Shumaila Mazhar make it look so easy as they fly through the mountains celebrating the beauty of our northern areas! Way to go!! #PIA pic.twitter.com/UOQC8VbRUZ

— PIA (@Official_PIA) June 21, 2018

"The flight to Gilgit is very challenging and requires a lot of precision and technique. Our dynamic duo, Captain Maryam Masood and First Officer Shumaila Mazhar make it look so easy as they fly through the mountains celebrating the beauty of our northern areas! Way to go!!," the national carrier said in a tweet.

The original photo has been shared over 800 times and garnered kudos for the national carrier on social media.

#GOALS #LadiesLookingSharp 😍

*screenshot is of a public post* pic.twitter.com/gi7TVlyi9w

— Khizra (@KhizM) June 20, 2018

PIA first officer and captain pilot for flight to Gilgit, you go girls 👩‍✈️👩‍✈️more power to you #PakWomen🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/t2jiJx841T

— Dr. Nazia Memon (@NaziaMemon01) June 21, 2018

The daring ladies! One of the difficult landings is at #Gilgit #PIA pic.twitter.com/TajAX58j1U

— Asad (@Aay_Em_Khan) June 21, 2018