Iberia honors its first female flight attendants

On October 15, 1946, Iberia, the Spanish airline, began employing its first female flight attendants on a historic flight between Madrid and Buenos Aires. These four women—Pilar Mascías, Marichín Ruiz, María José Ugarte, and Ana Marsans—were pioneers in a profession that has since become vital to air travel safety.

The 1946 flight's details

The inaugural flight took place on a Douglas DC-4 aircraft, which required a 36-hour journey with multiple stops, including Western Sahara, Brazil’s Natal, and Rio de Janeiro. Only 28 passengers boarded, paying around 11,435 pesetas for a one-way trip. This flight marked a significant moment in Iberia’s history, even if it was not the company’s first flight on that route.

Iberia's two milestones

Iberia’s first flight between Madrid and Buenos Aires occurred on September 22, 1946, but the October 15 date is specifically reserved for the start of the first female flight attendants. This distinction highlights the importance of the crew in shaping the company’s identity and service standards.

First male flight attendant

In 1947, Iberia hired its first male flight attendant, Fernando Castillo, who had previously worked as a waiter in Madrid. The profession was still being defined at the time, with various terms like aeromozas and mayordomas considered before the term azafata was adopted.

Cabin crew's evolving role

Today, Iberia employs 4,062 cabin crew members, with 67% being women. Their responsibilities have evolved from serving meals and welcoming passengers to managing safety, responding to emergencies, and ensuring compliance with safety protocols. This role is now regulated by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, which mandates specific training and certification.

Uniforms through the decades

Iberia’s flight attendants once wore military-inspired uniforms made from parachute fabric. Over time, the design evolved, with Teresa Helbig becoming the first woman to design Iberia’s uniforms. Her 2020 collection, introduced in 2022, blends functionality with visual identity, featuring navy blue with accents of red, yellow, and beige.

Modern air travel on the same route

The Madrid–Buenos Aires route has transformed dramatically since 1946. Iberia now operates three daily flights, primarily using Airbus A350 aircraft, which are much larger and faster than the DC-4. The company plans to increase service to 23 weekly flights during the 2026 summer season, highlighting the route’s continued importance in its long-haul strategy.