How Wizz Air pilot Oana Mocan is flying high in a male-dominated industry

Aviation has long been a male-dominated industry, but pilots like Oana Mocan are proving that the skies have no gender.

Born in Romania and raised in Spain, Oana pursued her passion for flying despite having no direct path to follow as a first-generation pilot.

Today, she is part of Wizz Air’s Larnaca base, one of only two female pilots among 45 male colleagues. In this interview with CBN, she shares her inspiring journey and discusses the importance of encouraging more women to pursue careers in the industry.

Tell us about yourself and your journey in the aviation industry. What are the main perks, but also challenges of being a pilot?

My journey in aviation started in high school, as a young girl determined to pursue a career that would fulfil her passion— without knowing how nor where to start especially as a first- generation pilot. Every step I took was guided by my ultimate goal: to be where I am today. Throughout my journey, I have lived in various places, including London, Madrid, and Kuwait, where I worked as cabin crew. I later trained as a student pilot and then became an instructor in Burgos before finally settling in Larnaca as a pilot. Talking about the job itself, I will take the freedom to say that if you ask any pilot what their story is, most of the time you will hear a ‘Dream big and make it happen’ kind of story. Most of us wouldn’t be doing anything else other than flying a plane. It is a special kind of job where, trust me, no two days are ever the same. Having your coffee while admiring the snowy Alps, gazing at city lights on a clear night, or flying over the turquoise waters of the Greek islands is something we will never get tired of.

What is it like to thrive in a traditionally male-dominated industry?

According to CAPA statistics, only 4-6% of airline pilots worldwide are women. To put this into perspective, at my base in Larnaca, there are just two female pilots compared to 45 male pilots. Although we’ve come a long way - I can confidently say that at my base, there is no distinction between myself and my male colleagues we are all treated equally-, we are still a long way from achieving gender balance in the industry. One reason for the low percentage of female pilots is that STEM careers have historically had lower female representation. However, interest is growing, and more women are pursuing careers in aviation today. For those with a genuine passion, my recommendation is to set your goal and work relentlessly towards it. If you have passion and determination, you will make it happen. Social media has also become a great platform for networking, so I encourage aspiring female pilots to reach out to those already in the industry for real insights into what the job entails.

How has your experience of working at Wizz Air been?

I joined the Wizz Air family two years ago, and I couldn’t be happier. The company provides excellent opportunities for newly graduated pilots, offering rigorous training and high standards that are among the best in the industry. This level of preparation ensures that we are fully equipped to handle both normal and unexpected situations with confidence. Having said that, being based in Cyprus, the sunniest base in Wizz Air's network, has been a wonderful stroke of luck. Our team here operates like a small family, where everyone knows each other, and we all strive to uphold the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and teamwork. This extends beyond Flight Crew and Cabin Crew to include close collaboration with Air Traffic Controllers at the airport. A recent initiative, led by our Country Manager, has allowed Air Traffic Controllers to join us in the cockpit during normal flights. This has given them first-hand experience of our operations, from pre-flight preparations to landing, enhancing their understanding of our daily challenges. Our base in Cyprus is also strategically positioned between Europe and the Middle East, meaning we not only operate scheduled routes but also take over flights that are diverted here due to unforeseen circumstances. Currently, we have three A321 aircrafts operating at the Larnaca airport, woth a fourth expected to join the fleet, by this summer season.

What advice would you offer to other women interested in joining the aviation industry? And what would you tell them to look out for?

To any young woman considering a career in aviation, my advice is to pursue your dreams without hesitation. Set your goals, stay determined, and work hard. While the industry remains male-dominated, things are evolving, and opportunities are increasing. One practical piece of advice is to make use of social media to connect with female pilots who can share real insights into the profession. Hearing firsthand experiences can provide valuable guidance on what to expect and how to navigate potential challenges. Most importantly, if you have the passion, don’t let anything hold you back. You can and will make it happen.