From Model Airplanes to Head of Engineering at Aeroméxico

Enrique Soto

Ana Rubí Montalvo Gutiérrez has always been surrounded by airplanes and their components: wings, ailerons, fuselages, propellers, engines, and a passion for aviation. Thanks to her father, an Aeronautical Engineer who graduated from the Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), she discovered a love for a field historically dominated by men. Now, women like her are breaking paradigms and stereotypes, inspiring young women to pursue their dreams: "Persist, because it can be achieved!"

As a distinguished graduate with a degree and master's in Aeronautics from the Escuela Superior de Ingeniería Mecánica y Eléctrica (ESIME), Unidad Ticomán, Ana Rubí recounted her journey. Born in Mexico City, she moved to Cancun at age eight due to her father's work.

She recalled an instance when her father taught a water landing and evacuation course to flight attendants at Allegro Airlines. "He took me along, and I understood the importance of English because the course was conducted in that language. I slid down the evacuation slide, and it was very fun," she shared.

Smiling, she fondly remembered: "Every Sunday, I practiced aeromodelling with my dad, learning to assemble and fly model airplanes, especially a North American P51 (Mustang), which I loved because it flew like a demon."

Many Men, Few Women

Returning to Mexico City, Ana Rubí knew her future lay in aeronautics. She finished high school and prepared for the entrance exam to the IPN, a pioneer in Aeronautical Engineering in Mexico. "During vacations, I took courses at IPN, and in 2006, I entered ESIME Ticomán. I had only male teachers, and my class had 10 women and 40 men."

After earning her degree, she attended several job fairs, handing out numerous resumes. Months later, a company in Querétaro recruited her for their aircraft engine design department.

"There were very few women, but I remember that entering the workforce, they didn't ask for my GPA but whether I had a professional license, could express my ideas clearly, spoke English fluently, and was well-prepared. I felt very capable with the knowledge and tools provided by the Politécnico."

She highlighted that she studied English for her degree requirements but perfected it at the IPN's Foreign Language Center, which she praised as an excellent language academy.

After her first job, Ana Rubí sought to get closer to aviation and joined Grupo Aeroméxico in August 2013. "I started in the Maintenance Engineering area at Aeroméxico Connect from the ground up, supporting Embraer ERJ-145, E170, and E190 aircraft."

She felt at home at Aeroméxico, meeting many colleagues and former professors from the Politécnico, and sharing stories and experiences from their time at ESIME Ticomán.

IPN Lives in Aeroméxico

"The Politécnico is alive in Aeroméxico because we share experiences from the subjects we endured and those that were useful for our careers, along with fond memories of our teachers. What unites us more is that we imprint the institution's mark on our work, striving for high precision and quality," she emphasized.

This dedication led her to become the head of Engineering for the Max Fleet at Aeroméxico, overseeing maintenance for 53 Boeing 737-8 and 737-9 aircraft. Although there are more men than women in this area, respect for work is the key to success. "Salaries here are based on position, not gender. If you have the capability and knowledge, whether you are a woman or a man, you can succeed in this leading aviation company in Mexico," she stressed.

Throughout the history of aviation in Mexico, many women have shown dedication, opening the path to gender equity. Today, aviation companies value their determination and incorporate the talent of Politécnico graduates into the workforce.

As Aeroméxico approaches 90 years, Ana Rubí became the first woman to reach her position. Her message to young women aspiring to follow in her footsteps is: "It takes a lot of effort and sacrifice for women to carve out a space in aeronautics. We must trust our abilities and be unstoppable in achieving our dreams and aspirations because the Politécnico paves the way, and here in the industry, we are waiting for you."

Gaceta Politécnica #1799. (June 15th, 2024). IPN Imagen Institucional: Read the full magazine in Spanish here.