It's 2018. At the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) annual conference in Sydney, Qatar Airways' former CEO Akbar al Baker declares that only a man could lead his airline, "because it is a very challenging position". That same year, journalist Angela Epstein appears on one of the UK's most watched morning shows to discuss the topic: "Would you trust a female pilot?" "If there's someone in a position of absolute power and control," she said, "then I'd like it to be a man". TUI Airways, meanwhile, takes heat for handing out "future pilot" stickers to boys and "future cabin crew" ones to girls.
And while it's true that no formal barriers prohibit women from pursuing commercial or military careers in aviation, a patriarchal cloud still lingers over the industry. Despite constituting half of the population, various sources reveal that women make up only 5 per cent of commercial pilots, 18 per cent of flight dispatchers, 26 per cent of air traffic controllers and less than 9 per cent of aerospace engineers. Additionally, of the directorate, women hold only 14 per cent of C-suite roles and account for just 3 per cent of CEOs across the world's top 100 aviation organisations. In fact, the only aviation career where women are not currently outnumbered is within cabin crew.
The truth is, ever since the Wright Brothers took that first flight in 1903, women have remained largely erased and discouraged from aviation. How many of us can say we knew their sister, Katharine, who was instrumental in running the company? But here's the good news - the tide is turning. And not just under the pressure of do-gooding corporate targets, but thanks to passionate, vocation-led trailblazers and increasingly credible business cases that weigh in favour of diverse teams.
SOARING DEMAND
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Esta historia es de la edición March 2024 de Business Traveller UK.
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The rail thing - Why airlines and train companies are partnering to increase options for travellers on short journeys
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Watching Kanesaka work his magic is performance in itself
Scandic Spectrum, Copenhagen
An impressive corporate hotel just minutes from Copenhagen's centre
Kimpton Clocktower, Manchester
The perfect mix of gorgeous heritage design with cool, cosmopolitan attitude
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A stunning success another calming experience in the capital
Eurostar Business Premier LONDON-PARIS
It remains the superior service for those travelling from London to Paris
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There is a lot to like, but my experience was far from perfect
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You'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to the Austrian capital's museums, galleries and historic cafes
SWITCHING OFF IN...THE LOIRE VALLEY
Escape to the secluded forests of the Loire Valley for a digital detox