We still live in a mostly male-dominated world, but powerful women don’t have to take it sitting down. Well, OK, maybe in the case of Maria Pettersson — sitting is a big part of her job, after all. The 32-year-old Ryanair pilot has taken the internet by surprise with her combination of fun cockpit selfies and empowering beach photos as she travels the world. But the main goal of her quirky Instagram account is feminist empowerment.
In her own words to Daily Mail Online, “I loved the positive feedback I was getting and all the curious questions from young aviators asking about how to become a pilot or flight simulator pilots asking about a specific procedure.” She goes on: “My story is about strong females in a male dominated environment. Proving that we are just as good as them. Believing in ourselves and keeping a positive attitude towards life.”
After becoming a pilot at 25 years old, Maria then went commercial by age 30, regularly flying a Boeing 737 which can hold nearly 200 passengers.
Originally from Sweden, but now residing in Sicily, the blonde bombshell constantly travels the world, loving what she does and documenting the full experience on her Instagram page, aptly titled @pilotmaria. Her personal blog also serves as a fine complement to all the action. Enjoy just a few more of her fun photos for the road — er, the sky.
h/t Someecards
