“Women in the industry have come a long way but there are still some challenges”
November 21, 2024
Flying as a passenger as a small child sparked an enduring interest in aviation for Eliane ‘Elly’ Cotran, Vice Present – Commerical, from aircraft lessor Azorra. She later pursued a degree in industrial engineering, working on the C-series jet (now the A220 following acquisition by Airbus) and more recently in leasing. She is passionate about mentoring and sharing her experience with a new generation of aviation professionals, particularly young women.
What is your background in the industry? Where did it all begin for you?
My family moved to Canada when I was one, flying from Cyprus, and since then I’ve always been on a plane twice a year going back to the Middle East. My dad has been working there since I was little. As I grew, my inquisitive self was always so intrigued by how these things flew in the air. I was always asking so many questions and that’s how I got into engineering and aviation. My sister was a mechanical engineer and she inspired me to get into engineering. I specialised in industrial design and aviation and was accepted onto a programme only 50 people in our whole university engineering department got into. I then interned for Pratt & Whitney in Canada. Moving from that to today it was a natural path. We have a fleet of Airbus A220s and more on order. I had been an engineer on that programme, to help develop the CSeries to its first flight through to its entry into service. I know the aircraft really well. So, I can speak to customers on a different level. I’ve always been an outgoing person who loves to speak in public.
What are your ambitions? Where do you want this to go?
I look up to Azorra’s founder John Evans and I would like to do what he does and own my own company. The leasing industry is something I love. Beyond my career I do really want to be a female leader that younger people look up to. I’ve started to be a guest speaker at different events and have a few mentees. It’s something I want to grow. It’s an ambition I want to follow. I have been a fitness coach so it feels natural to do this in my work as well.
What is your best aviation memory so far? What would you tell your grandchildren about?
I’ve been really lucky in my career to have so many great memories. I’ve been to great conferences and met so many great people. The one thing that stands out was getting the Top 40 under 40 award from the National Business Aviation Association. That was an overwhelmingly great week and very humbling. It’s for the top leaders in our industry. Another memory is from when I was the lead for the C-series (now A220) emergency evacuation testing and led that whole concept. With 200+ participants, I was lucky enough to be on board during the test and watching the whole thing. To be able to certify the aircraft you have to be able to evacuate within a certain amount of time. Being in an aircraft when the crew does what they need to do was one of the most exciting and nerve wracking things I’ve ever been involved with. Then to have to jump out of the plane on to the emergency evacuation slides – something I hopefully will never have to do for real – was amazing. it looks scarier than it is but that hesitation at the top of the slide makes you understand why you have to do those tests.
What is your best advice for younger people looking to follow in your footsteps?
Firstly, never stop learning. Our industry keeps growing every day and there are new opportunities and advancements in technology. Once I graduated from engineering, there were so many different things I had to learn and you keep learning, which also makes me excel in what I do. For example, I’m reading a book about structured finance which I never thought I’d have to do. But now I’m working for a leasing company I do. Also, be confident. Being a woman in the aviation industry and walking into a room filled with men can be a challenge. We want to hear our own voice more. Speak your mind in meetings and be stronger. Be more resilient. We do go through struggles people don’t talk about. But also try to surround yourself with mentors and a strong group you can fall back on. I’ve been extremely lucky to have amazing mentors and I surround myself with great people. That’s the biggest thing to do to follow in the right footsteps.
Do you have any heroes or idols from the sector, past or present?
First in my career – Rob Dewar (godfather of the C-series, later A220) inspired me with how to lead a team. He always had a smile on his face, knew everyone and their story and was always there to help, no matter how busy he got.
John Evans our founder at Azorra, has been a great inspiration. The team that is Azorra today has been with him for a very long time and are following him. He looks at his employees, gets into the nitty gritty of what’s going on and asks a lot of questions so he can improve as a leader.
Someone from outside aviation is Sarah Blakely – the founder of Spanx. She is a female leader I’ve been following for a long time. She’s always on the production floor with her employees and understanding their day-to-day and is a great inspiration for the young women who aspire to have their own company.
What inspires you about this sector and the people in it?
It’s the people and the community. Aviation is huge but feels like a very small family. Everyone gets to know each other no matter whether you’re competitors. Everyone is so friendly, and you really work together to one goal, which is something I love. We built a small community called ‘Friends of Aviation’ and before every conference we go for dinner or plan an event to get like-minded people together. This little community has grown quite a bit to share knowledge and challenges. That’s what I love. How much people work together and motivate each other.
What does success look like?
It comes in many different forms. For me personally I feel like I’m where I’ve been wanting to reach personally. I’m happy coming to work every day and I don’t feel like it’s work. It’s my passion. To me that is success. Beyond my career it is to be able to motivate more younger women into this industry. A lot of them don’t know what it is. So, to guide more women into aviation would be a huge success.
What is the biggest challenge you are facing?
Women in the industry have come a long way but there are still some challenges we do face. I do wish that my future children won’t have to go through the same problems. But they’re still there. There are misconceptions. It has some way to go. There are a lot of leaders I’ve grown with and they’ve been mentors to me but I’m still going to walk into the room with high heels and a pretty dress. I’m not going to shy away from who I am. So that may label me compared with someone else. I’ve been an athlete my whole life and playing hockey with the boys I’m accepted but walking into a boardroom is different.
