Women in Aviation: What the Future Holds
The aviation industry has historically been a male-dominated field, but women are making significant strides in various roles, from pilots to engineers and industry leaders. As global initiatives push for greater gender diversity, the future looks promising for women in aviation. However, challenges remain, and continued efforts are needed to bridge the gender gap.
The Current State of Women in Aviation
Despite progress, women remain underrepresented in aviation. According to the International Society of Women Airline Pilots (ISWAP), only 6% of commercial pilots worldwide are women (ISWAP). In engineering and technical roles, the numbers are similarly low. The Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) reports that just 9% of aerospace engineers in the UK are women (RAeS).
Several factors contribute to this disparity, including historical gender norms, lack of visible role models, and career progression challenges. However, industry leaders are working to change this by introducing scholarships, mentorship programs, and recruitment initiatives aimed at increasing female representation.
Initiatives Promoting Women in Aviation
In recent years, various organizations and companies have launched initiatives to encourage women to pursue aviation careers:
- International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO): Their Gender Equality Programme aims to increase female participation in aviation, with targets for airlines and organizations to boost diversity (ICAO).
- Women in Aviation International (WAI): A non-profit organization providing scholarships, mentorship, and networking opportunities to support women in aviation (WAI).
- Airline Diversity Programs: Many airlines, including easyJet, have set ambitious targets, such as ensuring 20% of new pilot recruits are women by 2025 (easyJet).
These initiatives are already making an impact, but continued efforts are needed to sustain long-term change.
The Future of Women in Aviation
With the aviation industry expected to expand, opportunities for women are set to grow. Boeing’s Pilot and Technician Outlook predicts that the industry will need 602,000 new pilots over the next 20 years.
Advancements in automation and artificial intelligence are also reducing traditional barriers to entry in aviation. As these technologies evolve, new career paths are emerging, making it easier for women to enter and excel in aviation-related fields.
Encouraging More Women to Join Aviation
- STEM Education & Early Exposure – Encouraging girls to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields can inspire them to consider careers in aviation.
- Mentorship & Networking – There are many programmes out there connect aspiring female aviation professionals with experienced mentors.
- Supportive Workplace Policies – Implementing inclusive recruitment processes, maternity leave, and work-life balance policies can help retain women in aviation roles.
Recruiting More Women into Aviation Careers
As a global technical recruitment company, VHR plays a key role in helping women find opportunities in aviation. We work with airlines, MROs, and aerospace manufacturers to recruit skilled professionals. By actively sourcing female talent and partnering with companies that promote diversity, VHR is committed to shaping a more inclusive future for the aviation industry.
For those looking to start or advance their aviation career, visit www.v-hr.com to explore job opportunities and industry insights.
How Engineering Companies Can Get More Young People into Engineering: This article discusses strategies to attract younger generations to engineering careers, highlighting the importance of diversity and inclusion.
The Secrets to Finding Top Engineering Candidates: This piece explores effective methods for recruiting top talent in engineering, emphasizing the value of engaging diverse talent pools, including women and underrepresented groups.
