The Netherlands' longest flying female captain is saying goodbye to Transavia after 32 years

Liz grew up in Saint Lucia, an island in the Caribbean. Liz Jennings Clark: “I knew what I wanted from an early age. To fly! That dream came true.” She obtained a scholarship for the training and not much later she flew in the Caribbean with propeller planes in which she took up to 40 passengers to their destination. That turned out to be short-lived because during her studies she fell in love with an instructor from Suriname. After a few years they left together for the Netherlands to embark on a new adventure.

In the Netherlands, Liz applied for a job at three different airlines after a long process of theory exams. Liz was hired by a company, but heard later that week that she could also work at Transavia. Liz: “The choice was quickly made and I have never regretted it. What a wonderful time Transavia has brought me.”

The Netherlands' first all-female flight
In September 1989, Liz was the co-pilot on the Netherlands' first all-female flight. “Cockie van Giessel, the Netherlands' very first female captain, had not even been promoted for a year when I flew with her as co-pilot to Heraklion. That was unique and therefore quite exciting. Of course we had every confidence in our own knowledge and skills, but we did not dare to tell our passengers that this was a historic flight until after landing. The first all-female 'manned' flight, that was so special!” Liz also remembers that she once had to taxi back to have a man with a fear of flying taken off board. Shortly before departure, to his surprise, he did not hear a male voice from the cockpit but a female voice. He really didn't want to fly with a female pilot. Liz: “Luckily there were also many people who loved the 'unmanned' flights. For example, there was a company from Groningen that hired Transavia and only wanted to fly if the duo Van Giessel/Jennings-Clark could be arranged with a female cabin crew. There are too many moments and experiences to mention that have turned my heart green. But it is mainly the contacts with my colleagues, the good atmosphere among each other and the pleasant way of working at Transavia.”

Diverse group of colleagues

Petra de Ruiter, operational director at Transavia: “Saying goodbye to colleagues at Transavia is always with a smile and a tear. The green heart runs deep in many colleagues. I am proud that Liz enjoyed working with us so much. Although in her first years it sometimes took some getting used to for the outside world and passengers when they noticed that the cockpit was occupied by two women. I am happy that we dared to lead the way in this at Transavia and continue to work hard for this. Although the percentage of women in our cockpit and in the technical services can always be improved, we are proud that we have more women in the cockpit than at many other European airlines, namely 9%. The story of Liz and many other colleagues strengthens our belief that with a diverse group of people we can do our work better for our passengers. We have a very diverse audience, we understand our passengers better if our organization reflects this. I believe that with diversity we also come to better solutions for our passengers.”

Fewer flights in November

Unfortunately, all good things come to an end. Liz: “That accelerated when I heard three weeks ago that my last flight would be in October because there are fewer flights in November. I would have liked to have flown for two more years. Under normal circumstances, our pilots are offered a two-year continued flight contract. But that is not possible due to the corona crisis.”

Liz will move back to her parental home in Saint Lucia. “I'm thinking about opening an Airbnb and want to write a book about everything I've experienced. I also want to start an online fear of flying course and I have already applied as a 'Flight Operations Inspector' in the Caribbean.” In any case, she is no longer interested in flying with another airline. “I have taken Transavia to my heart and with tears in my eyes, the farewell is now in sight. I would like to thank my dear colleagues for the wonderful time. I'm going to miss them and flying incredibly. Thank you."