The awards, handed out at a dinner in Melbourne on Wednesday night, also recognised BAE Systems Australia for its diversity program and RMIT University for its leadership in training, among others.
Alroe edged out finalists QinetiQ senior principal Ian Kitson and Advanced Composite Structures Australia chairman Murray Scott to take out the distinguished leadership award.
“I am honoured to receive the award. It has been an incredible professional journey in an industry I have been fascinated with since I was a little girl hanging off my back fence watching aircraft take-off at Brisbane Airport,” Alroe said in a statement.
“It has been a privilege to have spent my entire career in this dynamic industry, seeing how it’s changed over the decades and how important each and every role in the aviation industry is.
“Leadership is but one part of that equation and I simply could not have achieved what I have done without the dedication, commitment and hard work of the thousands of others I’ve had the pleasure of working with throughout my career.”
Alroe, who is stepping down as Brisbane Airport chief executive at the end of June, was one of three women to be recognised, with Boeing Phantom Works International chief operating officer Jane Hunter receiving an outstanding contribution to the aviation or aerospace sectors award, while Airbus Australia Pacific enterprise performance co-ordinator C-130J program Alex Le Fevre was named outstanding next generation professional.
“The association has developed a comprehensive organisational strengthening initiative in response to industry needs to shape our aerospace industry for next generation aviation professionals,” McLean said in a statement.
“Our hugely successful Women in Aviation has been the cornerstone of this initiative.”
#A18AIRSPACEAWARDS congratulations Jane Hunter Boeing Phantom Work’s winner of the Women in Aviation Aerospace award pic.twitter.com/SHHsGm0oUQ
— Linda Spurr (@Linda_Spurr) April 18, 2018
In 2013, Aviation/Aerospace Australia established the Women in Aviation/Aerospace Australia initiative to help promote the issue of gender diversity and the participation of women within the aviation and aerospace sector in Australia, as well as provide women a network to connect with industry peers.
Aviation/Aerospace chair Adam Burford said Women in Aviation/Aerospace Australia was the “cornerstone of the association’s work advocating for the industry and encouraging the next generation of aerospace professionals”.
“Our programme has been very well received over the last five years as the industry recognises it’s not just about fairness and equity but it is also essential for us to compete in the future,” Burford said.
Full list of winners:
Distinguished Leadership Award – Brisbane Airport chief executive Julieanne Alroe
Excellence in Innovation Award – GippsAero, Airvan10 development and type certification
Outstanding Leadership in Training Award – RMIT University – Aviation and Aerospace
Outstanding Strategy for Diversity – BAE Systems Australia
Outstanding Contribution to the Aviation or Aerospace sectors – Boeing Phantom Works International chief operating officer Jane Hunter
Outstanding Next Generation Professional – Airbus Australia Pacific enterprise performance co-ordinator C-130J program Alex Le Fevre
