Airlines have been taking major steps to offer women an equal and comfortable workspace in aviation. Whether it is operating women-only crew on some of the world’s longest flights or offering educational scholarships for women, airlines are trying various ways to increase their count of female pilots. This article explores some ways airlines have employed to inspire women to select aviation education and pursue aviation careers.
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Working with women support groups in aviation
Women in Aviation International (WAI)
- Invest in our current and future workforce
- Build a diverse and inclusive aviation and aerospace industry around the world
- Inspire women and girls to pursue careers in aviation and aerospace
Women support groups are one of the most common ways airlines, and the aviation industry in general, are trying to attract more women into the industry. An example of such a support group is Women in Aviation International (WAI), a nonprofit organization that strives to support women in aviation.
Photo: Aer Lingus
Whether it is minimizing cultural and societal biases or inspiring women to pursue carrying in aviation, these organizations are dedicated to investing in the current and future workforce. According to WAI,
“With more than 20,000 members in 120 countries, Women in Aviation International is the largest nonprofit organization in the world dedicated to increasing the number of women involved in all aspects of aviation and aerospace.”
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Scholarship grants
Targeted grant toward women in aviation
- Initial education
- Pilot training
- Certifications
- Career search and onboarding
A career in aviation or aerospace can be both time-consuming and costly. Training to become a commercial pilot, or an aviation maintenance technician, or acquiring a specialized degree in aerospace studies, it can demotivate people.
Photo: Qantas
Targeted scholarship grants for women in aviation allow individuals to break cultural stereotypes and pursue rewarding careers. Airlines offer scholarships targeted for women to assist them in their aviation careers. For example, the American Airlines Aircraft Maintenance Technician scholarship offers multiple grants to students currently enrolled in accredited aviation maintenance programs in US universities.
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Educational liaison with the aviation industry
Airlines take an active part in aviation-related programs
- Organized aviation internships
- Operator-specific projects
- Airline-sponsored grants
- Research and development opportunities
Airlines work closely with universities and educational institutions to offer specific quotas for women and minorities in aviation. Airlines offer sponsored projects for a diverse set of students to take part in those projects. Employment quotes for women ensure that women fill a certain percentage of aviation-related seats.
This is advantageous in multiple ways, as women are not only encouraged to participate in aviation studies but also given opportunities to pursue an aviation career. Moreover, major airlines organize recruiting events with women in aviation support groups to ensure equal opportunities are available for all.
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Equal opportunity employment
Altering airlines’ work policies
- Removing gender biases
- Resolving societal and cultural stereotypes
In recent years, more and more women have been attracted to careers in aviation thanks to large aviation employers who have altered their employment policies to be more inclusive of women. Major airlines are working to remove gender biases and stereotypes in the workplace to offer a comfortable environment for women.
Photo: Nick Morrish | British Airways
Air India, Etihad Airways, and other major airlines are known to operate female-only crew on some of their longest flights. From pilots and cabin crew to ground staff and air traffic controllers, women have increasingly become part of aviation in many ways. While still in relatively low numbers, the barriers are certainly broken through several initiatives by global airlines.
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Canadian Women in Aviation Conference
- Connect: An inclusive space for aviation and aerospace professionals to meet one another and establish a stronger professional and social network.
- Inspire: Meet those who helped build the foundation we stand on today and modern-day trailblazers who will spark your creativity and imagination.
- Educate: Learn from industry experts to grow both your knowledge and career.
The Canadian Women in Aviation Conference is an annual event that offers an inclusive space for aviation and aerospace professionals to establish social and professional networking. Airlines show their support through sponsorships, exhibitions, and presentations to showcase equal opportunities for men and women.
Photo: British Airways
Women-led talks and presentations are organized to inspire women and minority groups to participate actively in aviation education and pursue these careers. For example, the Canadian Women in Aviation Conference 2024, held in May, featured 12 women speakers, including the Assistant Deputy Minister of Safety and Security at Transport Canada, Lisa Setlakwe, and the CEO of Women In Aviation, Lynda Coffman. Such events allow aspiring women to see further than the typical cabin crew role in aviation.
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