Captain Theresa Claiborne Interview


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

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