From her very first encounter with aviation at the age of 14, Belén knew she wanted to explore the skies. Fascinated by aircraft and driven by a love for physics and mathematics, she chose to study Aeronautical Engineering to stay connected to the aviation sector.
During her degree, she broadened her horizons with Erasmus programs in Toulouse and Torino, gaining both technical expertise and an international perspective on the sector.
Belén’s engineering career began in satellite structural design at Thales Alenia Space in Torino, followed by work at Aernnova for Airbus on the A350 horizontal stabiliser. While these experiences strengthened her technical foundation, the call to fly remained strong. Her passion for aviation and desire to be in the cockpit led her to apply to Iberia’s cadet programme, where she was selected as part of the 2019 group. A fun fact: she trained alongside a classmate she had met at university — who is now her husband.
Her career path faced an unexpected challenge when the COVID-19 pandemic paused flight training. Determined not to lose progress, Belén took the initiative to stay sharp. She reached out to flight simulator centres, explaining the situation for cadets who couldn’t fly. Together with Global Training Aviation (GTA), they set up an affordable monthly simulator program, allowing young pilots to practise airline procedures on 737s, A320s, and ATR aircraft. The initiative not only kept their skills up to date but also created a supportive, almost family-like network among cadets. To continue gaining flight experience, she also participated in setting up a project of scenic shared-cost flights (a Blablacar of the skies) from Madrid in PA-28 Warriors, which helped her improve her flying hours while building friendships.
Belén began flying for Iberia in 2022 on the A320 family. Just a year later, she was selected as one of the First Officers to join the airline’s Flight Operations management team. As Deputy Senior Fleet Manager, she collaborates on technical and management projects across the airline, working trasnversally with areas such us Maintenance, Crew Planning, People, Training and others — including Iberia’s Cadet Programme, in which she herself participated. This allows her to gain a unique, behind-the-scenes perspective on how an airline operates efficiently. Her technical expertise and the teamwork skills she developed at FTE were essential in securing the role.
Today, she balances her flying duties with management responsibilities, spending one to two days per week at Iberia’s headquarters. She was also chosen by Iberia to fly as crew for Iberia’s first A321XLR commercial flight (Madrid to Paris) which was also the world’s first commercial flight of this “Xtra Long Range” single-aisle jet, a significant aviation milestone for connecting transatlantic routes with smaller planes. Now she also enjoys flying to Boston, Washington or Santo Domingo with the type.
Life before FTEJerez & why did you want to become a pilot?
“From the moment I took the controls, I knew there was no going back.”
From the age of 14, I was captivated by aviation. A school project about airplanes ignited a fascination. I loved physics and maths— even though I didn’t have any connections with aviation, I wanted to explore it and go beyond. So I chose Aeronautical Engineering to stay close to the sector.
During my degree I spent time abroad with two Erasmus programs (in Toulouse and Torino). Every time I visited home, I asked the crew to get into the cockpit after the flight — I gradually realised that what I loved most wasn’t designing aircraft structures, but flying them. The decisive moment came when I flew a Cessna at La Juliana during my studies. From the moment I took the controls, I knew there was no going back.
Most memorable experience since joining Iberia?
“Her first flight in Iberia uniform to Jerez, welcomed back on frequency by ATC and former instructors upon arrival.”
One of the most emotional moments of my career was wearing the Iberia uniform with destination Jerez — the place where I trained, where everything started. When we switched to tower frequency, the controllers recognised my name and welcomed me back: “Hello Belén, welcome back to Jerez.” Instructors and familiar voices on frequency kept sending greetings. Landing on runway 20 in an A320, this time as a First Officer, was indescribable. It felt like closing a circle.
“Being part of the crew for the world’s first ever commercial flight of the A321XLR for a company I am so proud to work for was a moment that I’ll never forget.”
Another unforgettable milestone was the privilege of taking part in the very first A321XLR commercial operations. I was honoured to be among the crew for the inaugural commercial flight of this aircraft, operating the Madrid–Paris route with Iberia as the launch customer. Being part of the world’s first commercial flight of this model was a historic moment: flying a brand-new aircraft that opens long-haul possibilities for our fleet and our airline filled me with immense pride. It’s the kind of experience you dream about when you begin your training — and one you’ll never forget.
Most memorable experience at FTE?
“Returning to graduate two years later, due to COVID felt incredibly emotional — closing a chapter we had fought so hard to finish and seeing everyone who finally made their dream come alive.”
My most memorable experience at FTE isn’t a single flight, but a moment that captured how special the school is. After COVID, many of us never had a graduation ceremony. When FTE organised one for all of the affected cadets, coming back to Jerez, seeing instructors again and reuniting with friends felt incredibly emotional — closing a chapter we had fought so hard to finish.
“I am so happy every time I see pictures of cadets holding their solo certificates that I created during my time as Comms Rep on the student committee.”
There’s also a small personal anecdote I’ll never forget. In the student committee, we designed the first solo certificates. The photo we chose was one that we took at Trebujena: the student taking off in her first solo flight in that picture is Elise, who is now an Air France pilot. Every time I see those solo ceremonies posted now, I smile knowing the story behind that image and how far we’ve all come.
It’s moments like these — not just the flying — that remind you FTE is a family that stays with you long after training ends.
How was your experience as PR & Comms rep of the FTE Student Committee?
“You don’t just learn to fly; you learn to work with others, and that skill stays with you for life… I would encourage anyone to try to get involved in the committee…”
Being part of the PR & Communications committee was one of the most rewarding surprises of my training. It had nothing to do with my more technical background of engineering or flying, yet it taught me skills that I use every day as an airline pilot. Working on communications, designing projects, organising events and representing the student body pushed me to step outside my comfort zone.
What I enjoyed most was the teamwork. We came from different backgrounds and nationalities, and we learned to collaborate, to listen, and to speak on behalf of others — just like in a cockpit. During COVID, the committee played a key role in keeping students connected and informed; that experience showed me how strong and supportive our community was.
Looking back, it helped shape who I am professionally. It strengthened my confidence, improved my communication, and showed me how leadership isn’t about rank — it’s about helping people work better together. I always recommend future cadets to join the committee. You don’t just learn to fly; you learn to work with others, and that skill stays with you for life.
If you could go back in time in FTE, what would you change?
“If I could go back, I would simply slow down and enjoy every moment.”
When you’re training, it’s easy to focus only on the next exam, the next flight, the next milestone. Looking back, I realise how special those “firsts” were — the first solo, the nerves before an EASA exam, the celebrations with classmates after a tough flight, the feeling of learning something new every single day. I wouldn’t change the challenges; they make you grow.
But I would give myself more time to appreciate the journey, the people around me, and the emotions you only experience once in your life as a cadet.
In the end, you remember the friendships, the instructors who pushed you, and the thrill of becoming a pilot — not the stress of passing. Enjoy it. It goes by faster than you think.
Advice for current students
“Don’t just aim to pass — aim to understand.”
Whether it’s technical knowledge, procedures, or flying techniques, truly understanding what you are doing makes you a better pilot and a more confident crew member.
Take full advantage of the international environment at FTE. You’ll meet classmates from all over the world, share experiences, and build friendships that last a lifetime. These connections aren’t just social — they teach you teamwork, cultural awareness, and how to adapt, which are essential skills in aviation.
Finally, enjoy every moment. The first solo, the first EASA exams, the long simulator sessions, the celebrations with your classmates — all of it shapes who you become. The challenges are temporary, but the memories, skills, and bonds you build will stay with you forever. And remember, every airline out there realises how well prepared we are, we’ve got the FTE stamp, we’ve got a very complete training, the discipline of being a pilot and we know how to behave in an international environment.
My time at FTE Jerez was one of the best chapters of my life. Not only did I train at a leading flight school and take part in Iberia’s prestigious cadet programme, but I also grew technically and personally in ways I could never have imagined. FTE gave me lifelong friendships with people from all over the world — many of whom I now have the privilege of flying with at Iberia, and will continue to share cockpits with throughout my career. It is a place where you don’t just learn to fly; you become part of a family that supports you every step of the way. At FTE Jerez, I truly fulfilled my dream of becoming a pilot.”
If you or someone you know would like to be featured in our Alumni Spotlight Series, please reach out to us at president@fteturbojet.com or careers@fteturbojet.com.