A UK aviation leader has urged women to “explore their options” in the airline industry, after landing a senior position just a few years into her career. 

At just 28, Helen Paddock heads up the charter and planning team at BA Cityflyer and BA Euroflyer – a role which was created for her by British Airways after two years at the company. This impressive job progression hasn’t gone unnoticed; in July, she was selected for the class of TTG 30 Under 30 2024, after wowing the judges with her standout application. 

Paddock admits she had never envisioned this career path for herself, however, having grown up with a limited knowledge of aviation professions. 

“I thought being a pilot or cabin crew were the only jobs in the industry,” Paddock tells TTG. It wasn’t until she was a teenager that she learnt, while attending a US space camp, just how many opportunities the sector has to offer: “It was so eye-opening.” 

After sitting her A levels, Paddock enrolled at the University of Leeds to study geography and geology. She had initially been interested in its aviation course, but believed a more general Bachelors of Science would lead to greater job prospects. Her geography and geology degree also allowed her to partake in several field trips, which only reinforced her passion for flying and travel. 

After graduating with first class honours in 2017, Paddock knew she still wanted to work in aviation. She accepted a position with Jet2.com as a commercial planning executive, which involved the development of new routes and schedules for the budget airline. 

By the time she left the company in 2022, she had been promoted twice and was overseeing a fleet of nearly 100 aircrafts. 

Her next position at British Airways subsidiary, BA Cityflyer, presented a brand new challenge – managing charter flights. Having completed a four-month secondment to BA Euroflyer in 2023, she took on responsibility for all charter programmes at BA Cityflyer and BA Euroflyer. 

“We look after the full process of chartering the aircraft for the customer, from the beginning to the end,” Paddock says. “Whether it’s a request for a VIP terminal, specific catering, or a bespoke logo onboard, we cover it.”

The clientele for these charters vary widely, ranging from famous bands to professional football teams. Tour operators wishing to fly to destinations that don’t already have direct routes are another source of business. 

While the job can be intense, Paddock says she thrives off the pressure. “We have to do a lot of problem solving, and it’s very satisfying when you can find a solution.” She adds that she loves the variety of the role: “I do something completely different from one week to the next.”

Paddock also enjoys breaking down stereotypes of women in aviation, adding: “People often assume that I must be a flight attendant. They’re often surprised when I tell them what I do.” 

As for her career goals, she is keen to continue growing her skillset at British Airways – an airline she had always wanted to work for. 

“My hope is to be a leader in this industry,” she says. “It’s been a personal achievement for me to work for BA, so I plan to stay there. I love seeing the BA aircraft fly off and knowing I was a part of it. It’s so satisfying.”