flyExclusive’s all-female fuel team is a great example of how diversity can benefit the aviation industry. The leading part 135 operator is helping to break down barriers and inspire the next generation of female aviators.
Read MoreRead MoreThe aviation industry has long been dominated by men, but flyExclusive, a leading part 135 operator, is breaking that trend with its all-female fuel team. Led by the fearless Director of Fuel Management, Tammy Miller, flyExclusive’s all-female team was created with the intent to break away from the industry standard by increasing diversity and providing opportunities for women who have a passion for aviation. The team is composed of women of all ages, ethnicities, and cultural backgrounds, but each of them takes pride in handling flyExclusive’s fueling operations with precision and care.
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Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I am the Director of Fuel Management for flyExclusive with over 20 years of experience in Aviation and I love it! I am a proud, independent mom of two, who have blessed me with three amazing grandkids that I love spending time with! Fun facts: I love watching movies, traveling, shelling, and slot machines.
Tell us a little bit about your team.
They are all incredible professionals who take pride in their families and their work! Finding one, let alone a team of five amazing women who work hard, excel, and are always willing to lend a helping hand is such a rare find. Each woman comes with their own talents and personality that adds value and pzazz to our Fuel team. I could not ask for a better team! Most days we LOVE each other!
What does being a woman in a male-dominated industry mean to you?
It is very rewarding to excel in an industry that is mainly dominated by men. Like anything else you do in life, there are easy times and those that are a little more challenging! When you get the opportunity to shine, make sure you are the brightest star in the sky!
What made you pursue a career in aviation?
Strange as it seems, answering a blind ad, but it has been an amazing ride!
What does the journey to becoming a successful woman in aviation look like?
Stay focused, and informed and be able to adapt to change. Don’t focus on being a female in a male-dominated industry, but a colleague.
What are some major challenges you have witnessed or experienced through your team that affect women in the aviation industry?
Being accepted as an equal, judged by your work, abilities, and professionalism, not by your gender. Being that one female in a group, you may feel invisible, but you remind yourself of all the years of experience and hard work you have poured into the aviation industry and that makes you smile!
What are some misconceptions about being a woman in the aviation industry you’d like to put an end to?
The misconception is women are not equal or aviation is a man’s world. I know firsthand this is false. I have so many female role models that have stepped up and taken the reigns of many aviation roles and made tough decisions that were frowned upon by their colleagues. But at the end of the day, they made the right choice for their companies. Success and leadership are not about gender, but who is the best fit for the position!
If you could give one piece of advice to the younger female generation interested in the aviation industry, what would it be?
Whether your dream is to be a dispatcher, pilot, CSR or whatever, do not let anyone crush your dreams. If you do not believe in yourself no one else will! BE THE CHANGE!
What do you see for the future of flyExclusive, part 135 operator, and women in aviation as a whole?
The plans for growth that I have seen for the future are going to be amazing! With that growth comes so many career opportunities for our local community and across the world. I don’t know of any other private jet company that offers its employees the chance to work and obtain their pilot's license at the cost of ONLY the fuel! The future looks brighter than ever for women in the aviation world. It is a matter of you making that dream a reality and flyExclusive can help you do that!
Why flyExclusive? Why fuel management?
Aviation became my passion many years ago when I started working at Segrave Aviation as an A/R clerk. Little did I know the wild, adventurous journey that was ahead of me! With growth comes opportunities. Becoming the fuel manager was the perfect fit for me! I stayed in aviation until DPJ left Kinston, NC. I was fortunate enough to work with an amazing organization (NCSHP) until I came back to work at flyExclusive, part 135 operator, in 2017.
Why fuel management? This position allows me to “work” using all the talents God has given me as well as being able to travel and meet people around the world. It requires you to step out of your comfort zone, be bold and adapt to the fast-moving environment of the aviation world. For me using my God-given talents, the gift of gab and southern charm are the perfect storm for negotiations and building relationships and friendships in this industry. This journey that led me back to flyExclusive has afforded me so many opportunities that otherwise I would not have had here in rural NC. I get to work with so many awesome people across the world and amazing crews, I am blessed to be able to call them my fly family!
If there is anything else you’d like to mention, please do so here!
Love what you do, and you will never have to work a day in your life!
According to flyExclusive, Miller’s fuel team has delivered great success. Not only have they been able to provide high-quality fueling services, but they have also been able to inspire other women to pursue careers in aviation. The company hopes that by showcasing the work of its all-female fuel team, it can encourage more women to get involved in the aviation industry, through various private jet jobs.
The team’s success has also been recognized by the industry. In 2020, flyExclusive was awarded the Women in Aviation International (WAI) Corporate Award for its commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Overall, flyExclusive’s all-female fuel team is a great example of how diversity can benefit the aviation industry. By providing opportunities for women and showcasing their talents, the team is helping to break down barriers and inspire the next generation of female aviators. To learn more about Miller and her preeminent fuel team, flyExclusive’s private Jet Club, Fractional Jet Ownership program, private jet charter and aviation MRO services, visit our website at www.flyexclusive.com.
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