Women have made great strides in recent years in the aviation industry. It should be no surprise when Southwest Airlines introduces their first mother-daughter pilot duo to hit the skies for their airline.
A special mom/daughter collab
“It’s been exhilarating to watch her pursue this career,” said Captain Holly Petitt of Southwest Airlines. “It’s been so fun for me to watch her progress through the different stages and make it to the flight deck at Southwest Airlines,” as reported by CBS Colorado.
Holly Petitt couldn’t be any prouder of her daughter Keely.
“When I was 14, for Christmas one year, my mom got me and my siblings an introduction flight,” Keely said. “And I went up for the first time and it blew me away.”
Following in great footsteps
Keely idolized her mom and is now living her dream.
“We traveled a lot as kids, and so seeing her love of travel, her love of the people she works with, her love of flying, she loves every part of it, and I’m thankful that I have that same passion and that same love,” said Keely.
Keely and Holly are now inspiring the next generation of flyers. Such as 10-year-old Ela Capitano. Capitano and many other children were able to meet the mother-daughter duo over the weekend. The children learned more about flight school and even got to play in a flight simulator.
“My favorite part was probably learning about the engines was cool, totally fun… and just things with the airplanes,” Capitano said.
“I think the most important thing for young people is to find something they love to do,” Holly said. “I hope kids today will follow their hearts and pursue their passions.”
