JetBlue Empowers Future Aviators with “Fly Like a Girl” Event in Orlando
1. Inspiring the Next Generation of Aviators
On September 20, 2025, JetBlue Airways Corp. (Nasdaq: JBLU) celebrated its 11th annual "Fly Like a Girl" event in Orlando, Florida, aiming to inspire local youth to explore careers in aviation. Hosted at JetBlue’s hangar at Orlando International Airport (MCO), the event attracted over 150 children aged 8 to 14, providing them with hands-on experiences and mentorship from female aviation professionals.
2. A Commitment to Community and Education
The event underscores JetBlue’s strong ties to the Orlando community, which have been cultivated over more than 25 years. Ursula Hurley, JetBlue's Chief Financial Officer and President of the JetBlue Foundation, highlighted the importance of the event, stating, “Orlando is the heart of JetBlue’s training and innovation... Bringing Fly Like a Girl to Orlando reflects our deep commitment to this community and to inspiring the next generation of aviation professionals.”
The JetBlue Foundation, alongside JetBlue’s Women in Flight Crewmember Resource Group and Corporate Social Responsibility team, organized the event to foster interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields among young attendees.
3. Engaging Activities and Professional Mentorship
During the event, participants engaged in a variety of interactive activities aimed at demystifying the aviation industry. They had the opportunity to meet and learn from JetBlue crewmembers from various departments, including technical operations, inflight services, and piloting. Attendees also toured an Airbus A320 and observed ground operations, which included baggage handling and cargo management.
Icema Gibbs, JetBlue’s Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility and Impact, emphasized the hands-on nature of the event, stating, “At JetBlue, inspiring the next generation of aviation professionals means going beyond conversation—it’s about creating real, hands-on experiences that spark curiosity and open doors.”
4. Strategic Growth and Community Investment
The "Fly Like a Girl" event coincided with JetBlue's recent announcements regarding its expansion plans in Florida. The airline is set to introduce nine new routes with nonstop service from Fort Lauderdale and increase daily flights on select existing routes. Additionally, JetBlue's inaugural intermodal agreement with Brightline aims to enhance travel convenience for customers journeying through Central and South Florida.
These initiatives reflect JetBlue’s commitment to investing in the communities it serves, as well as its dedication to fostering early interest in aviation careers through events like "Fly Like a Girl."
5. Conclusion
JetBlue's "Fly Like a Girl" event in Orlando not only showcases the airline's commitment to community engagement and educational initiatives but also highlights its ongoing efforts to inspire the next generation of aviation professionals. With a strong focus on hands-on experiences and mentorship, JetBlue is paving the way for young aspiring aviators in Central Florida and beyond.
