Melanie Southall is engineering eOps team lead at British Airways, having joined the airline on an apprenticeship route, before embarking on an HND and subsequently securing a degree in aerospace engineering. She initially worked in operational maintenance, before moving into technical, before progressing into flight data recording and then becoming the organisation’s first eOps technical team leader. Melanie is responsible for overseeing the team that manages networked aircraft systems and the associated ground infrastructure across all eEnabled aircraft fleets.
“I genuinely believe I have one of the most interesting jobs at British Airways. I work with an amazing team, focussing on providing support for connected avionics systems and delivering innovative tech and flight data-driven solutions both on and off the aircraft.”
A career that took off
I developed a strong affinity for STEM subjects during my school years and so hoped that I would have a career in this area. At the age of 18, I embarked on my professional journey with British Airways through their licensed engineer apprenticeship, known as the Professional Engineer Programme. During the programme, I completed a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Aeronautical Engineering and secured Category A and B2 aircraft maintenance licences, subsequently also adding a Category C licence. Whilst working in my first role, I studied a part-time BEngHons in Aerospace Engineering, achieving a first-class degree.
My early career at British Airways was spent in our Operational Maintenance Team, where I worked as a licensed aircraft engineer and aircraft maintenance supervisor. I subsequently moved into the Technical Team, initially working on the entry into service project for the Boeing 787 and Airbus A380 aircraft, with a focus on the newly introduced eEnabling systems. I then spent a short time in the Flight Data Recording Team before becoming the first eOps technical team leader. My team manage networked aircraft systems and the associated ground infrastructure across all eEnabled aircraft fleets.
Bringing people, places and diverse cultures closer together
British Airways is a global airline, bringing people, places and diverse cultures closer together for more than 100 years. British Airways operates a diverse fleet of more than 270 short-haul and long-haul aircraft, serving an extensive network of around 250 destinations worldwide.
British Airways is investing £7 billion over three years to transform and enhance the customer experience with over 600 live projects in development. We’re ramping up our programme of transformation which includes innovations in every part of the business, from electric vehicles in our operation to AI and machine learning to help improve our service to customers. These 600 projects will ensure we continue to deliver for our customers and transform our business. We’re focused on improving the digital customer experience and continue to work behind the scenes to automate more back-end functions, enabling us to respond more quickly to our customers.
Enabling real change in engineering
I genuinely believe I have one of the most interesting jobs at British Airways. I work with an amazing team, focussing on providing support for connected avionics systems and delivering innovative tech and flight data-driven solutions both on and off the aircraft. I’m sure a lot of other people will say this about their roles but literally no two days are ever the same.
A significant part of my responsibilities involves overseeing the reliability of systems and managing aircraft software. Beyond that, my team takes ownership of the IT ground systems that interface with and support, the aircraft. We engage with a variety of teams, both internal and external, including interfaces with Boeing, Airbus, and other suppliers. There is always something new on the horizon for us and we are able to enable real change in engineering.
Transformation of innovation
As the eOps technical team lead, my role is important in supporting British Airways engineering in delivering an efficient engineering operation. By overseeing the reliability of networked aircraft systems and managing aircraft software, my team directly support efficient maintenance activities. Effective use of the data provided by eEnabled systems such as the wireless connection between the aircraft and ground stations and the electronic logbook records of aircraft maintenance can provide real-time data and insights, allowing a proactive approach to maintenance activities.
My role also involves staying abreast of technological advances and industry best practices, ensuring British Airways adopts innovative solutions which support effective engineering operations, delivering a robust operation for our customers and contributing to the overall success of the airline.
More diversity of thought in innovation equals better solutions
Diversity of thought in innovation, particularly in engineering, is invaluable for several reasons. Firstly, individuals with different experiences bring a variety of ideas, approaches, and solutions to complex problems. Each team member will offer unique insights that others might not have considered.
Additionally, engineers from various backgrounds can approach problem-solving with different methodologies, increasing the likelihood of identifying the most effective and efficient solution. It is also important to ensure a well-rounded skill set within the team, minimising knowledge gaps and contributing to a more comprehensive approach to challenges, which is supported by having a diverse team.
The best is still to come
I take great pride in my involvement in the entry-into-service preparation for our initial eEnabled aircraft, responsible for the connected aircraft systems and associated ground IT systems. However, considering the numerous exciting projects currently underway, such as the elog roll-out, I think the best is still to come.
No regrets
My advice for girls and women who are interested in a career in engineering is to simply go for it! Have confidence in your skills and capabilities and that they will be valued by your employer. Throughout my career in engineering at British Airways, I’ve had the privilege of working in diverse and interesting roles alongside brilliant colleagues who advocate for my skills and capabilities. The experience has not only provided a fulfilling career but also supported my family. Developing a career in engineering is a decision I have no regrets about—I genuinely love my job!
Flying high
There are a number of exciting and challenging projects lined up over the next few years. Currently, we’re in the midst of rolling out an electronic technical log (eLog) solution across the fleet, a project that is positively impacting our engineering operation by ensuring we have high-quality and timely data for informed decision-making and efficient maintenance activities. Another exciting project on the horizon is kicking off the eEnabling readiness activities for the B777-9 aircraft entry into service.
On a personal development front, I am thrilled to be part of the BA Highflyers programme this year, an internal staff development programme that offers accelerated career development opportunities. I look forward to the growth and development opportunities it will offer, preparing me for future career opportunities.
All images: © British Airways
