What are the requirements for joining the scheme? Do they differ according to gender?

Joann: The basic requirements are the same for men and women – you qualify as long as you hold an HKDSE* certificate. Of course, you also have an advantage if you possess relevant knowledge and experience. As for personality, aircraft maintenance mechanics must be willing to face challenges, and possess a serious and responsible attitude.
*HKDSE = Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education

How do you think being twins has helped you, both with the training and the job itself?

Both: As twin sisters, we share similar interests and are used to doing everything together. During the one-year programme, we worked together on classroom training at Tseung Kwan O, participating in workshops and on-the-job training with different departments. After passing our exams, the company saw how closely we supported each other and assigned us both to Airframe Services. Joe is in charge of landing gear and Joann services engines.

What are the struggles and advantages women face when working in a male-dominated field?

Joann: Some women may not be as physically strong as some men, so we usually have to put ten times the effort into learning and working just to prove we can handle aircraft maintenance tasks. Now, I can remove and carry turbine blades from engines on my own. My mentors were all quite shocked to witness this achievement.

Joe: Women pay more attention to detail and can communicate better, which complements our male colleagues' physical abilities. Aircraft maintenance requires fitness and is predominantly led by men, which is why, in the past, many older mechanics didn't think women would be able to do the job. For the past decade, I have delivered parts wherever they are required – including aircraft wheels as tall as me – come rain or shine. After working together with men for a while, their views have changed and they respect our abilities.

As twins who work in the same environment, are there any memorable stories you can share?

Joann: While we belong in different teams and don't necessarily work on the same aircraft at the same time, our colleagues sometimes find it hard to tell us apart. Once, we were assigned to work on the same aircraft and I was checking and maintaining the engine while my sister was working on the landing gear. My supervisor came to check my progress and – mistaking my sister for me – was surprised that I was working on the landing gear. But he was even more confused when I spoke to him from behind. It was an amusing situation.