Now At 15%, How India Became Home To Most Number Of Female Pilots In The World

The most recent data on the number of pilots in India was provided by the authority that regulates Indian airlines. 15% of the nation's pilots are women, according to the most recent data. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) estimates that this is three times the 5% global average. To promote pilot training for women, SC, and ST populations, however, there is no specific programme.

According to information gathered from several Indian scheduled airlines, 244 pilots were hired overall in 2021. Additionally, estimations indicate that during the next five years, India may need 1,000 pilots annually. Also, according to the data, there are roughly 10,000 pilots in India, including 67 foreign nationals who work for different local airlines, according to the DGCA.

Most Number Of Female Pilots In The World

The International Association of Women Airline Pilots also published a report on gender equality in the aviation sector in 2021 last year. According to the report, gender equality on the flight deck was highest in India (12.4%) in 2021, followed by Ireland (9.9%), South Africa (9.8%), Australia (7.5%), Canada (7%), Germany (6.9%), the United States (5.5%), the United Kingdom (4.7%), New Zealand (4.5%), Scandinavia (3.8%), Qatar (2.4%), Japan (1.3%), and Singapore (1%).

Nivedita Bhasin acquired the title of youngest captain of a commercial airline in the world in 1989. In the 1990s, the Indian Air Force started hiring female pilots for its transport and helicopter fleets.

In a research study titled Gender Differences in General Aviation Crashes, which examined data on helicopter and airplane crashes between 1983 and 1997, it was discovered that male pilots had crash rates higher than those of female pilots. Men and women pilot accident rates were examined from 2002 to 2013 in a different study, Women in Combat Arms: A Study of the Global War on Terror. The study showed that women fly "more safely," causing only 3% of mishaps while making up 10% of all US Army helicopter pilots.

In India, several airlines have developed programs to keep women in leadership positions. For instance, IndiGo gives flexibility to female crew members and pilots so they can continue working safely throughout pregnancy, except for flying tasks. It offers childcare facilities and the legally mandated 26 weeks of paid maternity leave. Up until their child turns five years old, female pilots can choose a flexible contract with two weeks of leave every month. Vistara gives expectant pilots and cabin crew the choice between temporary ground jobs and administrative positions until they are ready to fly.

The proportion of female pilots in India is the highest in the world and the nation serves as a model for gender equality in aviation around the world. But, when we look at the reality, we find that despite being empowered by virtue of their gender, female crew members, pilots, and passengers routinely suffer harassment.

Suggested Reading: Patriarchy On Plane: Women Cannot Escape Harassment Even In The Air