Women were among the first aviators, many even before they had voting rights. To mark the anniversary of Raymonde de Laroche obtaining the first female pilot licence on 8 March 1910, Women Of Aviation Worldwide (WOAW) Week is celebrated as a call to address the gender imbalance in the air and space industry.

Despite women making up 41% of the aviation workforce today, the representation of female pilots, air traffic controllers and maintenance technicians is still a disproportionately low 5.1%, according to the 2024 IATA Gender In Aviation report. WOAW Week aims to challenge the industry to examine current practices and step up to close this great divide in the gender gap.

From 3-9 March 2025, individuals, organisations and schools all over the world will take part in special events to commemorate female aviation pioneers, celebrate their achievements and encourage girls and women to explore careers in aviation. Since 2010, the Institute for Women Of Aviation Worldwide (iWOAW) has been leading the global movement to make gender balance in the aviation industry a reality, reaching over 500,000 women in 75 countries, organising various challenges during WOAW Week and awarding prizes and scholarships.

From trailblazers to today

Many early female aviators saw flight as a symbol of independence. Pioneers such as Amelie Beese (the first woman to patent an aircraft design), Bessie Coleman (the first black female to obtain a pilot license), Harriet Quimby (the first woman to fly over the English Channel) and Marga von Etzdorf (the first female airline pilot) have inspired generations of women to defy limitations.

While the Wright brothers built and flew the first airplane in 1903, their younger sister Katharine was a crucial, often overlooked, figure in the history of aviation. Instrumental in managing their communications and funding, her contribution allowed her brothers to focus on their aeronautical pursuits. A teacher and activist for the women’s suffrage movement, Katharine Wright also accompanied her brother Wilbur on demonstration flights in 1909, making her one of the first women to fly in a plane.

Although anti-discrimination laws introduced in the 1960s dismantled gendered barriers that limited women to specific roles such as flight attendants, the promise of equality in aviation has yet to be realised. While traditionally male-dominated industries such as engineering and technology are seeing a more diverse workforce, the air and space sector still has a long way to go.

Breaking down barriers: Strategies for empowering women in aviation

The aviation sector has long grappled with its gendered legacy, but this underrepresentation means that the industry is missing out on the wealth of diverse perspectives, leadership styles and experiences that women bring. While addressing systematic barriers is the first step to advancing women in aviation, mentorship, representation and active empowerment will encourage women to thrive in this sector. We spoke to some of the women working at Deutsche Aircraft about their experiences and advice to achieve gender equality in the aviation industry.

Fund pathways to aviation

The cost of education and training prevents more females from entering the aviation industry. Increasing access to higher education, sponsoring programs that encourage young women to pursue STEM and offering scholarships and financial support will allow more women to enter the field. “As a woman in the aviation industry, I have come to an understanding that it's not easy,” says Biljana Pankova, Junior Electrical Engineer in the Electrics and Avionics team. “It’s challenging and one has to be more resilient.”

Normalise flexible work

According to the 2023 IWG survey, 88% of women believe that hybrid work “serves as an equaliser in the workplace.” Women value the work-life balance of the hybrid model, especially as they shoulder the greater share of child-rearing, caregiving and domestic responsibilities in many cultures. Offering flexible work arrangements for working mothers also allows them to take the time to raise a family without facing the “motherhood penalty.”

Raise up role models

Visibility and the recognition of achievements at all levels inspires and empowers women to take on leadership roles. “Representation matters,” says Melis Caykara Akdeniz, Project Manager in Mechanical Systems. “When young women see engineers who look like them, leaders who look like them, pilots who look like them, their dreams are not only possible, they’re achievable. Every barrier we break and every step we take opens the way for someone else. Being a woman in aviation is not just about the job. It’s about resilience. It’s about breaking barriers and being a role model for future generations.”

Invest in talent and training

Aviation companies seeking to diversify their workforce must invest in mentorship programs and outreach initiatives to provide more opportunities for women to pursue careers. HR representatives need to actively recruit women at universities, technical schools, job fairs and online platforms as well as provide continued opportunities for professional development and leadership training. “Keep learning and adapting. Stay curious. Ask questions, keep evolving your skills and never stop growing,” advises Akdeniz.

Cultivate a culture of respect and inclusion

The basic tenet of promoting equality in the workplace is implementing clear policies against discrimination and addressing bias through training and awareness campaigns. Women need to feel safe to voice their opinions and feel heard when they do.

“Go for it, even if you are the only woman in the room,” advises Akdeniz. “Don't let the lack of representation discourage you. Be the representation. Speak up and take space. Your ideas and your contribution matter. Own your expertise and don't hesitate to share your thoughts and ideas.”

Champion industry-wide initiatives

The growing recognition of the gender gap is driving global initiatives to motivate women to enter aviation. WOAW Week and IATA’s 25by2025 are leading examples of the industry taking action to increase the number of women in senior positions. To enhance diversity, equity and inclusion, the 25by2025 initiative aims to improve female representation in the aviation industry by 25% by the end of 2025. Despite its gradual progress, the statistics are positive. Canadian women represented 12% of all pilot licenses issued in 2023 and India ranks the highest in terms of gender diversity in aviation, with women accounting for 14% of airline pilots in the country (IATA 2024).

Value unique insights

Diverse viewpoints are fundamental when it comes to innovation. Women’s perspectives in this traditionally male-dominated industry has the potential to disrupt established norms and challenge existing assumptions, leading to creative new ideas.

“Women can bring a lot of good insights when it comes to design,” remarks Pankova. “Since I work on the design of aircraft systems, I see women bringing a lot of different perspectives when it comes to safer aviation and safer planes.”

Establish mentorship networks

Creating opportunities for experienced female employees to connect with new hires builds a strong network of support and advocacy. When Selma Aydin, Production Worker for Manufacturing, first started at Deutsche Aircraft, “it was all very new to me. But as my colleagues had experience in the aviation industry, they really helped me to master the challenges,” she reflects gratefully.

“I think it's crucial that the women who are already there are empowering the younger generations and making sure that we have a wide spectrum of skills and competencies,” remarks Rossella Vacchelli, ESG Manager. “The more we lift each other up, the stronger we become as a community,” adds Akdeniz.

Empower female voices

The journey towards gender equality in aviation is not just about dismantling barriers; it’s about amplifying the voices of women and inspiring the next generation. “Don't doubt yourself. The aviation industry needs your talent, your vision and your voice. The sky is not the limit. It's just the beginning,” asserts Akdeniz. “I believe women have an incredible opportunity to shape the future of aviation, not just as engineers or pilots, but as leaders, innovators and decision makers. The future of aviation belongs to everyone, and I'm excited to see more women taking their place in shaping it.”

“If I met a young female colleague, I would tell her to be resilient and push back,” says Melanie Kluge, Aircraft Mechanic.

“I will continue to speak up,” says Pankova. “I will continue to speak the truth. I will continue to give my opinion. The feedback I have received from my mentors, who are mostly male, is that I should continue to be myself.”

#WomenAtDA: Your career in aviation starts here

At Deutsche Aircraft, we value excellence, sustainability, openness, respect and collaboration. We believe these values are best realised through a diverse and inclusive workforce. Our multicultural team hails from 44 countries and we offer comprehensive benefits designed to prioritise the well-being and work-life balance of our employees.

Women hold significant leadership positions across all facets of our organisation, from Vice President Sales & Marketing to Director Sustainable Flight. This also extends to technical fields, with women excelling as aircraft mechanics, manufacturing engineers and project managers at Deutsche Aircraft.

“In order to propel aviation to a more sustainable future, we need a diverse environment,” remarks Vacchelli. “We need more women in leadership positions, but we also need more women in every other position, because it’s not only the leadership that shapes the industry,” adds Pankova.

If you are curious about a career in aviation, watch the #WomenAtDA series on our YouTube channel for insider tips, visit our careers page for open positions or contact our HR department.

“Just apply,” urges Pankova. “There’s nothing to be scared of. It’s just like any other job, but it's more exciting. It’s way cooler to say that you work in aviation.”

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We would like to thank Biljana Pankova, Melis Caykara Akdeniz, Rossella Vacchelli, Melanie Kluge and Selma Aydin for sharing their thoughtful insights on women in aviation. We are also grateful for the valuable contribution of all the women at DeutscheAircraft, who are essential to our success.