India is setting a global benchmark for diversity in aviation, boasting the highest proportion of women pilots worldwide. As of 2024, women constitute 15% of the country’s pilot workforce, three times higher than the global average. This significant progress is primarily due to Indian airlines adopting policies that support and retain female talent. Women’s representation at Indigo is an example of the same.
IndiGo, India’s largest passenger carrier, leads the way in women’s representation. The airline employs more women pilots than any other airline globally. IndiGo’s commitment to gender equality is evident in its initiatives. These initiatives include offering flexible work options for pregnant pilots and crew members and maintaining its status as an equal-opportunity employer. These efforts have earned IndiGo recognition from the Indian Women Pilot Association (IWPA), which honoured the airline at the 55th Emerald Golden Jubilee for Women’s Empowerment in Aviation and Aerospace.
Celebrating Independence Day with 77 new women pilots
In a significant move, IndiGo marked the country’s 77th Independence Day by welcoming 77 new women pilots into its fleet—72 for the Airbus fleet and five for the ATR fleet. With these additions, the number of women pilots at IndiGo has now surpassed 800. This number further solidifies the airline’s commitment to gender diversity. While the global average of women pilots hovers around 7-9%, IndiGo stands out, with an impressive 14% of its pilot workforce being women.
Women’s representation at Indigo: The initiatives that inspire
The initiative of hiring new women pilots is part of IndiGo’s broader #GirlPower vision. This initiative aims to achieve 25% women’s representation in senior ranks and 50% across the entire workforce. Currently, IndiGo employs 36,860 women among its permanent staff. Furthermore, they have increased the number of employees with disabilities to around 200. It is a notable improvement from just 11 in 2022 and 86 in 2023.
1,000 women pilots: A target to enhance women’s representation at Indigo
IndiGo is not stopping at 800 women pilots; the airline is targeting over 1,000 women pilots in the coming year. This recruitment drive is integral to IndiGo’s diversity and inclusivity (D&I) strategy, aiming to enhance women’s representation across all levels of the organisation. With a workforce that includes over 5,000 pilots and more than 2,000 daily flights, IndiGo is incorporating inclusiveness not just in flying roles but also in engineering positions, where the number of women has increased by 30%.
The recruitment plan includes several key strategies to attract and retain women pilots, such as:
Recruitment drives:
Targeted recruitment campaigns and outreach programs to reach potential women pilots, including visits to aviation schools and colleges.
Training programs:
Indigo offers special training to improve skills and prepare well for the profession.
Mentorship programs:
The airline will set up mentorship programs with successful female pilots as role models to inspire more women to join the industry.
Workplace support:
A supportive work environment with policies for necessary work-life balance. Women pilots receive 26 weeks of paid maternity leave and can choose a flexible contract that includes two weeks of leave each month until their child turns five years old.
Despite these initiatives, the aviation industry still faces a significant gender imbalance, with women remaining underrepresented compared to men. IndiGo’s recruitment strategy is a substantial step towards redressing this imbalance and promoting greater equality in the skies.
Women’s representation at Indigo: The final thoughts
IndiGo is leading the charge in advancing women’s representation in the aviation industry. By welcoming 77 new women pilots on India’s 77th Independence Day, the airline celebrates a significant milestone and also underscores its commitment to gender equality. While the aviation sector continues to grapple with gender disparity, IndiGo’s initiatives provide a hopeful glimpse into a more balanced and inclusive future. If other airlines follow suit, the industry could soon see a more equitable representation of women in the skies.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are based on the writer’s insights, supported by data and resources available both online and offline, as applicable. Changeincontent.com is committed to promoting inclusivity across all forms of content, which we broadly define as media, policies, law, and history—encompassing all elements that influence the lives of women and gender-queer individuals. Our goal is to promote understanding and advocate for comprehensive inclusivity.
