‘It’s been a dream come true: Mother and Daughter Become Co-Pilots on Southwest Flight
In a groundbreaking moment, Southwest Airlines proudly announced the induction of its first-ever mother/daughter pilot duo into the cockpit. Captain Holly Petitt joined forces with her daughter, First Officer Keely Petitt, making aviation history and inspiring women of all ages to pursue their dreams in the skies.
Holly Petitt began her aviation journey fresh out of college as a flight attendant with another carrier. However, fate had a different plan for her when she could ride the jumpseat on the flight deck. This experience ignited a desire within her to become a pilot herself. Determined to turn her dream into reality, she underwent rigorous flight training and obtained her certifications.
While pursuing her dream of becoming a pilot, Holly faced the challenge of balancing her responsibilities as a mother of three. Undeterred, she persevered, thanks to the unwavering support of her husband and mother, who stepped in to help with childcare. Holly’s determination to achieve her goals inspired her children, especially her daughter, Keely.
Growing up around the Southwest Airlines family, Keely Petitt was captivated by the world of aviation. At the young age of 14, she made up her mind to follow in her mother’s footsteps and become a pilot. Keely worked tirelessly to earn her pilot’s license and even secured an internship at Southwest in the fall of 2017, further cementing her commitment to a career in aviation.
For Keely, Southwest Airlines had always been the ultimate destination. She knew her aviation journey would lead her to this remarkable airline. As a second-generation aviator, Keely, alongside her mother, shattered barriers to becoming Southwest’s first mother/daughter pilot duo.
“It’s a dream come true,” expressed Holly. “First, I found this career and fell in love with it, and then one of my kids fell into this and fell in love with this career too. It’s surreal.”
The accomplishment of Holly and Keely Petitt extends far beyond their achievements. They are pioneers in the aviation industry, inspiring women of all ages to defy expectations and soar to new heights. By proving that gender is not a limitation, they encourage aspiring female pilots to pursue their passions and embrace rewarding careers in aviation.
The remarkable journey of Captain Holly Petitt and First Officer Keely Petitt represents a significant milestone in the aviation world. Southwest Airlines takes pride in having this historic mother/daughter pilot duo in its ranks. Their story is a powerful reminder that determination, passion, and unwavering support can turn dreams into reality. As they continue to break barriers and empower women, Holly and Keely inspire countless others to reach for the skies and make their mark in the world of aviation.
