Aviation has long been a male-dominated field, and while pioneering women have broken barriers, representation has always been a challenge.
It was only in recent history that Australia’s first female pilot for a major airline, Deb Lawrie, had to take the major national airline group, Ansett, to court for discrimination.
Even today, women are still told they lack the aptitude to fly, or the skills, simply because they are women. They are still expected to walk the aisles rather than fix the engines, serve the tea, rather than take command in the “cockpit”—despite the industry facing critical skills shortages.
Working to shift the dial for women in the aviation industry, the Women in Aviation Australian Chapter (WAI Aus) supports women and underrepresented groups throughout their careers.
“As an organisation, we aim to showcase the opportunities available to women of all ages, whether they are students deciding which subjects to study or professionals in adjacent industries considering a career transition,” says WAI Aus.
“Too many women have never been shown that aviation is an option for them—we are working to change that. Every girl should see aviation as a viable option for them, understand the exciting nature of the industry, and recognise that their thoughts, ideas, and experiences are important to the development and future of the industry as a whole.”
Celebrating 10 years in 2025, WAI Aus sees supporting women in leadership roles as another key priority.
Their Emerging Leaders Forum, initially designed for young leaders, has expanded to support individuals transitioning into any leadership at any career stage.
“We have found that women’s leadership journeys often differ from men’s, and finding a supportive network of female leaders is invaluable,” says WAI Aus.
“Traditional leadership models do not always work for women, and providing a space to discuss alternative approaches has been instrumental for those in the early stages of their leadership journey.”
Supporting men to join the fight for industry change
Recognising that meaningful change requires industry-wide participation, WAI Aus recently developed the Aviation Champions of Change Forum. The initiative helps male industry leaders understand the challenges women face in joining and staying in aviation.
Some key takeaways from the forum on how men can support their female colleagues include:
- Active Listening: Listen to women’s concerns and perspectives without defaulting to stereotypes. Encourage participation in discussions by actively seeking female colleagues’ input and including them in decision-making.
- Challenge Bias: Call out sexist jokes, microaggressions, and poor workplace behaviour. Educate colleagues about unconscious biases.
- Mentorship: Actively mentor female colleagues by providing guidance, advice, and career advancement opportunities. Be proactive—don’t wait for women to ask first.
- Education: Continuously learn about gender equality issues and the challenges women face in male-dominated industries. Highlight the sobering statistics of underrepresentation and the risks it poses to aviation’s sustainability.
- Support Diversity Initiatives: Participate in and promote company programs aimed at increasing gender diversity.
- Advocate: Promote aviation careers to friends and family, especially in non-work environments. Parents often discourage daughters from entering the industry due to outdated perceptions—changing this mindset is crucial.
- Sponsorship: Actively sponsor women in your business by advocating for their career progression, ensuring they are considered for leadership roles, and providing opportunities for growth. Be the voice when they are not in the room, and if they should be in the room, make sure they get invited.
The aviation industry’s rapid evolution
Within the aviation industry, WAI Aus is already seeing progress. More women and girls are inquiring about aviation careers, and just as importantly, more parents are open to their daughters joining the industry. Young girls now see role models in aviation and can envision themselves in diverse roles.
The industry itself will also see an evolution, as careers that exist today will not be the same as those of the future—advancements in drone technology and space exploration are just two examples.
If the industry fails to be inclusive, WAI Aus warns that talent will go elsewhere, exacerbating the current skills shortages.
“Whatever someone’s passion—whether it’s conservation work, mapping, healthcare, national defence, or anything in between—there is a place for everyone in aviation,” says WAI Aus.
“No matter the background or level of education, pathways into aviation exist, and we are here to help women find them.”
Over the last 20 years, WAI Aus has seen a remarkable growth in the number of women in aviation.
Looking ahead, the organisation says it wants to see “a future where microaggressions, bias, and stereotypes are buried forever.”
“A future where it is no longer exceptional to see a woman flying your plane or repairing an aircraft wing—it is simply normal.”
“We aspire to see more female leaders in aviation, where differences are not seen as challenges but as strengths that drive innovation and progress. The aviation industry must embrace diversity fully, recognising that inclusion is not something to be feared but a necessary evolution for a thriving, sustainable future.”