Subscribe
Login
Interviews

Captain Theresa Claiborne Interview

Gordon Smith
June 7th, 2024 at 9:30 AM EDT
Captain Theresa Claiborne at the airport

Captain Theresa Claiborne was the first black female pilot in the United States Air Force and joined United Airlines as its second-ever black female pilot. Last month, she retired from United after 34 years and 10,000s of flight hours.

Capt Claiborne has piloted everything from the KC-135 to the Boeing 787 and has done it all while championing diversity and inclusion. In her first-ever podcast interview she reflects on a genuinely illustrious career, before discussing her vision for the future.

Don't forget, you can find a full archive of the Airline Weekly Lounge podcast here.

Background Reading:

Big Jets Fall Out of Favor as United Plans Early Retirement for 747s

United Airlines CCO Andrew Nocella at the Skift Aviation Forum 2023

The Hong Kong airport story: then, now and the future


Photo Credit: United Airlines - Marcel Hoy

Gordon Smith
June 7th, 2024 at 9:30 AM EDT

Tags: Interviews

Photo Credit: Captain Theresa Claiborne has been with United Airlines for more than three decades. United Airlines - Marcel Hoy / United Airlines - Marcel Hoy

Up Next

A British Airways aircraft in Bangkok
The Airline Weekly Lounge Podcast

Breaking Down Japan Airlines and British Airways

After a sensational run of impressive profits in the 2010s, what can Japan Airlines do to restore its weakened commercial cut-through?
Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat | 2 days ago
A Frontier A320 in Pittsburgh
The Airline Weekly Lounge Podcast

What a Frontier-Spirit Merger Means for Air Travel

There are plenty of ifs, buts, and maybes, however, if a Frontier-Spirit merger does occur, it'll shake up the U.S. airline industry in a huge way.
Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat | 1 week ago
A Breeze Airbus A220
The Airline Weekly Lounge Podcast

Breeze Airways' Big Break: A ULCC Finally Profits

As earnings season gathers pace, Jay Shabat and Meghna Maharishi take stock and share their insights on the latest numbers from Breeze Airways and American Airlines.
Jay Shabat and Meghna Maharishi | 2 weeks ago
An Egyptair Boeing 777-300ER at New York/JFK
The Airline Weekly Lounge Podcast

Why Egypt Is an Airline Market Worth Watching

In this episode, Gordon and Jay discuss the current state of the Egyptian aviation scene, highlighting the booming tourism sector despite regional unrest. They explore the factors contributing to Egypt's…
Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat | 4 weeks ago