Latest news with #WomenInAviation
CTV News
7 days ago
- CTV News
‘Inspiring the next generation'; Girls in Aviation Day take dreams to new altitudes
Annual Girls Aviation Day was held at London International Airport today, meant to empower the next generation of women in aviation, aerospace and STEAM. It was a day of hands-on learning for 800 young women, who took over a portion of the tarmac at London International Airport (YXU). The Great Lakes Aviators Canada hosted its second annual Girls in Aviation Day, in hopes of showing young girls that the sky is the limit. 'I think these events are very important, especially for young females. It's such a male dominated industry at the end of the day,' said Kaitlyn Thomas, a first officer pilot, with Air Canada. 060325 - Aviation Women in Aviation hosts second annual Girls in Aviation Day at London International Airport. (Reta Ismail/CTV London) Students got an up-close look at aircraft and explored interactive stations, meeting women from all aspects of aviation. 'I learned a lot about 'roll' and turbulence and how to manage turbulence, just thinking about being in Jello, which I thought was really fun,' said eighth grader Ola Obute, who hopes to become a pilot one day. A former Military Tactical Hercules pilot, Jackie Book, who is now the Director of Commercial Aviation Management, and President of Great Lakes Aviators Canada Chapter hopes today's event gives the young girls an opportunity to learn more about all the different careers in aviation. 'When girls think of aviation, they just think about becoming a pilot. They don't think about air traffic control or maintenance or manufacturing or any of those other than the business of aviation, which is one of my favorite things, so they don't think about all these other aspects that are aerospace,' explained Book. 060325 - Aviation Women in Aviation hosts second annual Girls in Aviation Day at London International Airport. (Reta Ismail/CTV London) The event, which empowered students from five area school boards, was a collaboration between 40 local and industry partners, including Western University, Fanshawe College and YXU. 'We have a big vision in aerospace and aviation education, and we want to become an aerospace hub for aviation,' said London International Airport CEO Scott McFadzean. 'Inspiring the next generation, specifically females who are underrepresented and in the aviation sector is near and dear to our hearts here at YXU.'
Khaleej Times
29-05-2025
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Dh500k aviation scholarships launched to empower women, bridge gender gap
A new scholarship programme worth over Dh500K has been launched for women from Arab countries who want to pursue professional careers in aviation — a sector where women comprise just five per cent of pilots globally. Backed by the Intercontinental Aviation Academy (IAA), the Women in Aviation Middle East scholarship programme targets women from the Middle East facing financial constraints. In an interview with Khaleej Times, Dr Zeina Mehyou, Deputy CEO for Academic Relations, Governance and Student Experience, IAA, said, 'We've long recognised the significant gender gap in aviation, particularly in pilot roles, where women remain highly underrepresented. Over the years, we've actively worked to challenge the perception that aviation is a male-dominated field by emphasising that passion, determination, and skill, not gender, are what truly matter. "However, the UAE and other countries in the region have made significant strides in promoting gender equality, and the aviation sector is a powerful example where women now represent up to 48 per cent of the workforce in certain airlines and aviation organisations.' Under the scholarship. the academy is offering for the 2025 launch: One full scholarship valued at over USD 105,000 (around Dh 385,350), covering all tuition and flight training necessary to obtain a full Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL). Ten fully sponsored scholarships for the Fundamentals of Aviation course, valued at a collective USD 35,000 (Dh128,450), designed to give young women foundational knowledge and early exposure to aviation careers. Dr Zeina Mehyou explained that the programme goes beyond tuition support. It includes mentorship and internship opportunities to ensure recipients are not only trained but also career-ready. 'Recipients will have access to experienced mentors from the aviation industry to guide them throughout their training journey." 'In terms of practical experience, we are also working closely with our industry partners to facilitate internship and potential job placement opportunities for selected scholars, particularly those who demonstrate excellence, to help them transition smoothly from training to the professional aviation environment.' she added. Globally, women remain underrepresented in technical aviation roles. According to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), women made up just 4.9 per cent of pilots, air traffic controllers, and maintenance technicians combined in 2021. Regionally, the highest increase in the number of women pilots were observed in Asia Pacific and Latin America/Caribbean, with North America leading at 4.6 per cent. To address this disparity, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) launched the 25by2025 initiative, targeting a 25 per cent increase in female representation in underrepresented and senior roles by 2025. 'The launch of this scholarship programme is a natural next step in our mission. It is designed to remove one of the most common barriers — financial constraints — that may prevent talented women from taking the leap,' said Mehyou. 'By offering this scholarship, we hope to empower more women with the opportunity to start their journey and thrive in the aviation industry.' Applications for the scholarship programme will officially open at the end of May 2025, with those selected to be announced at the Annual Women in Aviation Middle East Meeting in November 2025. All training will be conducted at IAA's facilities in the UAE.
Zawya
22-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Intercontinental Aviation Academy launches Women in Aviation Middle East scholarship program
Dubai, United Arab Emirates – In an announcement made during the Women in Aviation Middle East Conference & Awards on Thursday, May 8, 2024, Intercontinental Aviation Academy (IAA) introduced its new Women in Aviation Middle East Scholarship Program. The initiative is aimed at empowering women from Arab countries to pursue professional careers in aviation and marks a significant step forward in fostering inclusivity within the industry. Held at Sheikh Saeed Hall 1, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and co-located with the renowned Airport Show, the conference gathered global aviation leaders, distinguished female professionals, and aspiring students under the theme: "Charting the Future and Beyond: Collaborating for Change." IAA's Chief Executive Officer, Captain Wissam Mehyou, and Ms. Mervat Sultan, President of the Women in Aviation Middle East Chapter, jointly launched the scholarship on stage in front of an international audience of industry stakeholders and aspiring aviators. 'This scholarship reflects our shared commitment to creating opportunities, breaking barriers, and shaping a future where women lead and thrive in aviation,' said Captain Mehyou during the launch. Scholarship Highlights: One (1) Full EASA ATPL Modular Program A comprehensive training scholarship valued at over USD 105,000, covering all tuition and flight training necessary to obtain a full Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL). Ten (10) Fully Sponsored Fundamentals of Aviation Courses Introductory programs valued at a collective USD 35,000, designed to give young women foundational knowledge and early exposure to aviation careers. An Advisory Board, chaired by Women in Aviation Middle East, will oversee the review and selection process. The scholarship will be open to women and youth from Arab countries, with a strong emphasis on expanding access to aviation education and careers across the region. Applications for the scholarship program will officially open at the end of May 2025, with winners to be announced at the Annual Women in Aviation Middle East Meeting in November 2025. All training will be conducted at IAA's state-of-the-art facilities in the United Arab Emirates. This initiative is poised to be a turning point for aspiring female aviators in the Arab world, contributing to the long-term vision of a more inclusive and representative aviation sector. For more information, visit About Intercontinental Aviation Academy (IAA): Intercontinental Aviation Academy (IAA) is a premier aviation training institution based in the United Arab Emirates, with bases in Lebanon, Cyprus, and Greece, dedicated to delivering world-class pilot and aviation education programs. With a focus on safety, innovation, and international standards, IAA offers a full range of training solutions, designed to equip aspiring pilots with the skills and certifications needed for global aviation careers.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
She dreamed of the sky since age 10: story of Ukraine's only female combat pilot
Lieutenant Kateryna is the only female combat pilot in the Ukrainian defence forces, serving at a frontline helicopter base alongside dozens of male colleagues. In 2023, she joined the 18th Army Aviation Brigade. Since then, she has completed over 30 combat missions aboard a Mi-8 helicopter. Source: The New York Times Details: Kateryna says her desire to fly began in childhood when she first visited an airbase where her father served as an officer. After her first flight on a Mi-8 helicopter at the age of 10, she decided she wanted to become a pilot. "It was so loud and so scary, but I felt that I wanted to fly it," she said. At the age of 16, Kateryna enrolled in the Ivan Kozhedub Kharkiv National Air Force University, where she was the only female student. She remembers a lecturer once asking her: "What are you doing here? This is not for girls. You will not make it". A female instructor working with helicopter simulators gave her the motivation to keep going. "She told me not to listen to anyone, and I thought, if she can fly, why can't I?" Kateryna said. In 2023, she joined the 18th Army Aviation Brigade and began flying combat missions in September 2024. Since then, she has completed more than 30 sorties as co-pilot and navigator aboard a Soviet-designed heavy Mi-8 helicopter. "In flight, I love everything," she said. Journalists observed Kateryna as she prepared for a mission. She braids her hair tightly into two plaits so it doesn't get in the way, puts on the male military uniform – since there is no other option – and grabs her tablet used for navigation before stepping outside. There, she is met by her all-male crew. Together, they discuss the flight route she has prepared – this time, the mission involves three helicopters. The crews then walk to their helicopters, hidden in the forest to avoid Russian attacks. Kateryna dons her helmet, gets comfortable in her seat and takes off with her commander. Two helicopters tasked with striking Russian targets fly ahead. Behind them follows a third helicopter, which serves as a kind of relay radio station. It is this last aircraft that Kateryna pilots. Although it stays behind the others, it is often exposed to greater danger due to flying at a higher altitude. "I never stress during the flight," she said. "All the heavy thoughts can come before or after. During the flight, my mind is clear." "I fly and look over my country, thinking how beautiful it is, and then, when we enter the frontline area and I see how everything is destroyed – burned and bombed – the villages, towns, homes and factories, I think: how did we get here in the 21st century?" she reflected. After completing the mission, the three helicopters returned to their forest clearing. "Once I hear on the radio that we hit the target – like today – I know the job is done," Kateryna said after she returned. "I feel like, 'phew, great, we completed our task'." She rarely sees her family but dreams of taking her younger sister for a flight once the war ends. After missions, Kateryna finds time to relax by watching movies with fellow soldiers. She has learned to ignore sexist comments and she finds encouragement in the respect shown by other pilots and the trust commanders place in her abilities. "Possibly, I ruined the stereotype," Kateryna said. However, she admitted that overcoming prejudice from male commanders and soldiers remains a challenge. Female service members, she noted, are often marginalised in the military and are given fewer assignments than their male counterparts. "It's like that in any profession when you're a woman – not just in the army," Kateryna added. Background: Earlier, we reported on how former teacher Nataliia Hrabarchuk shot down a Russian cruise missile with a portable air defence system during a large-scale attack. The Ministry of Defence later honoured her and her fellow defenders with awards. Read more: Natasha, you got it! The former kindergarten teacher who downed a Russian missile Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
Trade Arabia
08-05-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
WIA ME conference charts path toward full empowerment
The Women in Aviation – Middle East (WIA ME) conference at Airport Show 2025 showcased the future of aviation as more inclusive and diverse, with women ascending to cockpits and boardrooms. The event attracted regional and international participation, serving as a platform to share experiences and celebrate female achievements in a competitive and rapidly evolving global industry. In his keynote speech, Sheikh Salem Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Civil Aviation in Ras Al Khaimah, praised the UAE's leadership for placing women's empowerment at the heart of national development strategies. 'Today, Emirati women hold senior positions, contribute to aircraft engineering and operations management, and represent 42% of the aviation workforce—an unprecedented achievement in the region,' he said. Sultan: From Representation to Real Influence Mervat Sultan, Founder and President of the Middle East Chapter of Women in Aviation International, delivered an engaging address that moved the audience beyond recognition and into vision-building: 'Today's celebration is not only about what has been achieved, but about what lies ahead—ambitions, challenges, and new paths. We're not just asking for representation; we're demanding meaningful participation—in innovation, in decision-making, in labs, cockpits, and boardrooms.' She stressed that progress is not measured solely by numbers, but by community depth and impact: 'Slow progress is sometimes the most enduring. Last year, we had about 250 participants. This year, attendance has more than doubled—not just in the hall, but throughout the professional ecosystem. Government and private sector support confirms we're on the right track.' Training Opportunities and Targeted Support Sultan announced the launch of a fully funded EASA ATPL scholarship, along with free aviation fundamentals training and a specialised program on emotional intelligence for pilots, in collaboration with Airman Ground. 'These initiatives respond to real market needs and aspirations that can no longer be postponed,' she said. When asked about this year's award winners, Sultan noted: 'We maintain the same award categories every year, but 2025 was especially inspiring. Captain Samran Omran, the first Arab woman to fly transatlantic routes from Jordan to the US in the 1980s, is a symbol of persistence. We also honored figures like Dr Nadine Itani, a trusted aviation expert for global media, and institutions such as the International Aviation Academy and Al Jazeera Aviation Club in Ras Al Khaimah—clear signs that meaningful change is happening.' Her message to aspiring women in the industry emphasised professionalism above all: 'In aviation, dreams alone are not enough. Success relies on respecting time and structure. A two-minute delay doesn't just affect your flight—it affects dozens behind you. Aviation teaches you that safety and discipline are everything.' Honoring Women Who Leave a Lasting Impact The conference concluded with a celebration honoring Dr Suaad Al Shamsi with the Women in Aviation Leadership Award, Aya Sader with the Innovation Award, and Dr Nadine Itani with the title of "Most Influential Woman in Aviation." Khalifa University and Al Jazeera Aviation Club were also recognised for their significant contributions to training and institutional empowerment. In her final remarks, Mervat Sultan delivered a powerful call to action:
