Wizz Air, a European powerhouse known for its rapid growth and commitment to sustainability [Wizz Air’s most environmentally sustainable airline], is soaring towards a more inclusive future. Their groundbreaking initiative, the “Women on Air” forum, serves as a powerful testament to this dedication. This first-of-its-kind event signifies a major step forward in fostering gender diversity within the traditionally male-dominated aviation industry.
A Gathering of Trailblazers: The “Women on Air” Forum
Held in Budapest, the inaugural “Women on Air” event brought together a remarkable group of 140 participants. This diverse assembly featured distinguished female leaders from various aviation sectors. Captains, first officers, airline executives, representatives from aircraft leasing and manufacturing companies, industry authorities, and even diplomats graced the event. These inspiring women shared their journeys, offering valuable insights on diversity, inclusion, leadership, and navigating the challenges and triumphs of both flight decks and corporate environments.
The “Women on Air” forum aligns perfectly with Wizz Air’s broader mission to cultivate a culture of inclusivity within their organization and the aviation industry as a whole. Currently, Wizz Air boasts a workforce with 65% female cabin crew, demonstrating a strong commitment to gender balance. However, their ambition doesn’t stop there. The airline actively strives to increase the number of female pilots, aiming to reach a commendable 7% across its network. Supporting this goal is the innovative “She Can Fly” Pilot Academy program, which empowers aspiring female pilots to achieve their dreams and carve successful careers in aviation.
Inspiring the Next Generation: Empowering Women in Aviation
Yvonne Moynihan, Corporate and ESG Officer at Wizz Air, expressed her pride in pioneering the “Women on Air” initiative. “This event reflects Wizz Air’s ongoing commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within both our company and the wider aviation industry,” she stated. By creating a dynamic platform for seasoned female leaders to share their experiences and wisdom with the Wizz Air team, the forum aims to inspire, empower, and pave the way for the next generation of aviation professionals.
Charlotte Pedersen, Board Member of Wizz Air, further emphasized the importance of such initiatives. Drawing from her journey, transitioning from a military pilot to a boardroom leader, she noted, “Despite ongoing efforts, aviation still lags behind other industries in terms of gender diversity. We must continue to inspire and motivate more women to join our sector. Equally important is encouraging women to pursue leadership roles, creating a truly inclusive environment for all. Having visible female role models at every organizational level is an invaluable asset.” The “Women on Air” forum serves as a powerful platform for discussion and collaboration, where participants can learn from each other, discover inspiration, and explore exciting career development opportunities.
Wizz Air: Soaring Towards a More Diverse Future
The “Women on Air” forum serves as a landmark event, signifying Wizz Air’s commitment to dismantling barriers and creating a more equitable aviation industry. By offering valuable mentorship opportunities, fostering a supportive network, and empowering women to pursue their aviation dreams, Wizz Air is not just shaping its future, but paving the way for a more inclusive and dynamic aviation landscape for generations to come.
Wizz Air’s Commitment to Gender Diversity:
Wizz Air is actively working to increase the representation of women across all functions, including cabin crew and pilots. With initiatives like the ‘She Can Fly’ Pilot Academy program, the airline aims to create a pathway for the career growth and success of female pilots.
Yvonne Moynihan on Fostering Inclusion:
Yvonne Moynihan, Corporate and ESG Officer at Wizz Air, emphasizes the airline’s dedication to fostering diversity and inclusion within the organization and the aviation industry at large. Through initiatives like ‘Women on Air,’ Wizz Air aims to inspire and empower women in aviation.
Charlotte Pedersen’s Insights:
Charlotte Pedersen, a Board Member of Wizz Air, highlights the importance of visible role models and the need for women to step up into leadership roles in the aviation industry. She emphasizes the value of forums like ‘Women on Air’ in facilitating discussion, collaboration, and career development opportunities for women in aviation.
