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The Australian Airports Association (AAA) is creating a network for women who work in the airport industry as part of efforts to support the “participation and advancement of women working in both operational and leadership roles”.
The Women in Airports Network (WIAN) was launched on International Women’s Day on Friday.
The AAA said the network would provide a forum to discuss career development and leadership pathways for women working in airports across Australia and New Zealand.
“Airports operate in a truly global industry and a diverse workforce is absolutely crucial to support our growth and success,” AAA chief executive Caroline Wilkie said in a statement.
“With global passenger traffic expected to double in the next 15 years, there will be many great career development opportunities for airport staff in the future.
“We are absolutely committed to ensuring gender diversity is a clear focus as we prepare for this next phase of growth in the industry.”
The AAA said it would hold a Women in Airports Forum ahead of its national conference in November 2019.
Meanwhile, the federal government on Friday launched a women in aviation initiative designed to encourage more women to pursue careers in aviation.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said $4 million in funding would be used on a wide range of programs to engage with women.
“One example is to target school-aged students and their parents to better understand the wonderful career opportunities of the aviation sector,” McCormack said in a statement.
“From the career path of CEOs such as Tigerair’s Merren McArthur to Saskia Ford from CASA who worked the hangar floors as an aircraft engineer, there’s a world of opportunities for women in aviation and not just for pilots
The government said it would work with relevant industry groups on the Women in Aviation initiative.
Women in Aviation International (WAI) Australian chapter President Tam Augostin said theinitiatie would provide a major boost to the aviation industry’s goal of increasing the number of women working in the sector.
“This funding will support initiatives by significantly advancing outreach programs, and maximising the ability to support young girls and women across regional and remote Australia,” Augostin said.
“The funding will target grass root programs to reach out to young women, whether it will be handing out pamphlets at airports, advertising or even mentoring young women as they find their feet or wings in the aviation industry.”
Wilkie said the AAA looked forward to working with the government on the women in aviation initiative.
“We are really pleased to see the Federal Government investing in the future careers of women in aviation,” Ms Wilkie said.
“Today’s announcement will ensure programs that can make a tangible difference to female participation in our industry can be funded.”
Earlier this week, the federal government announced the airport being built at Badgerys Creek would be named Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport.
The new Western Sydney International Airport will be named after Nancy-Bird Walton, Australia’s first female commercial pilot.
It’s a wonderful day for Nancy-Bird’s family & also for all young women who want to take to the sky! @flyWSA pic.twitter.com/MPsEwk1POh
— Michael McCormack (@M_McCormackMP) March 4, 2019
The aviation sector has taken to social media to mark International Women’s Day. Here is a selection:
Air India:
#FlyAI : #AirIndia celebrates #womensday everyday working in tandem to soar high in all spheres from board room to the skies. We salute their power today with a record 52 Domestic and International flights propelled by all women crew. #InternationalWomensDay #BalanceForBetter pic.twitter.com/oblJww54eG
— Air India (@airindiain) March 7, 2019
Airservices Australia:
Looking for a career in #aviation? This is what air traffic controller Amalia Mauceri had to say: "Working as an air traffic controller is one of the most rewarding decisions I've’s ever made." Learn more about women in #AirTrafficControl ?? https://t.co/9L9lq13s5W ✈️ #IWD2019 pic.twitter.com/sRqRHHWRDP
— AirservicesAustralia (@AirservicesNews) March 7, 2019
CHC Helicopter:
For #IWD2019, we flew female industry representatives offshore in a flight led by an all-female CHC crew to highlight the career opportunities available for women in #aviation while underlining the need for a more balanced gender diversity in our industry. https://t.co/GQ2oGkaLab pic.twitter.com/ZLDYNSnn5v
— CHC Helicopter (@CHCHelicopter) March 7, 2019
Emirates:
Jetstar Australia:
https://www.facebook.com/JetstarAustralia/videos/435089823698103/
Qantas:
These two young women have sky-high dreams in aviation so we gave them the ultimate Qantas experience. ✈️ #IWD2019 pic.twitter.com/Bk5CdApPWr
— Qantas (@Qantas) March 7, 2019
Royal Australian Air Force:
The #IWD2019 theme is #BalanceForBetter.#OTD Mme de Laroche became the 1st woman licensed pilot on 8 Mar 1910. She'd be amazed by the many women now in aviation, & by the girls with ALL kinds of stars in their eyes. ????⚕️
The future's looking balanced & bright!#AusAirForce pic.twitter.com/XCKX0VH3MM
— Royal Australian Air Force (@AusAirForce) March 7, 2019
Royal Flying Doctor Service:
This International Women's Day we want you to meet Lisa, a #RFDSWA pilot with a story to tell! #IWD2019 #RFDS #FlyingDoctor https://t.co/8L12LyRvms
— Royal Flying Doctor Service (@RoyalFlyingDoc) March 8, 2019
Tigerair Australia:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BuuB-G8By44/
Virgin Australia:
We’re for equality and a world that represents balance. This year, 56% of our pilot cadets in training to be the flight crew of the future are female. They stand among a talented group of candidates who were all picked because they were the best people for the job. #IWD2019 pic.twitter.com/BTxo5pMrQn
— Virgin Australia (@VirginAustralia) March 7, 2019
