The Women in Aviation Middle East (WIA – ME) chapter is set to host an event spotlighting the latest advancements and future prospects in air mobility at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Air Expo. Taking place from 19-21 November, the event will feature various sessions and discussions surrounding: 

• Urban air mobility
• Sustainability in air mobility 
• AI and the future
• The latest technological innovations
• Leadership advice for the next generation

The WIA-ME has been instrumental in empowering women in the aviation sector. Its initiatives include mentoring programs, scholarships, and networking opportunities that foster career growth and inspire the next generation of women aviators. The chapter actively works towards increasing female participation in all aspects of aviation, from piloting to engineering and leadership roles.

This year’s event will feature keynote speeches from leading female professionals in the aviation and air mobility sectors, panel discussions on the challenges and opportunities in the industry, and workshops aimed at developing skills in new technologies. Additionally, there will be networking sessions designed to connect attendees with industry experts and potential mentors.

Gender equality in aviation in the Middle East

Despite the progress, gender equality in the aviation industry remains a significant challenge, especially in the Middle East. According to a recent ICAO survey, women’s participation in the aviation workforce is still low globally. Women comprise only 4.9% of licensed aviation personnel, with female pilots at 4.0% and female maintenance technicians at 3.0%. The Middle East has shown some improvement but still has a long way to go. As Saudi is on a recruitment drive for more female train drivers, hopefully, this will encourage more women to pursue careers in other transportation, aviation and engineering. 

Efforts by organisations like the WIA and policy initiatives based on ICAO’s data are crucial for bridging this gender gap. By highlighting successful female professionals and providing support systems, these organisations play a pivotal role in promoting gender equality and driving innovation in the aviation sector.

Speaking to TradeArabia News, WIA – ME President Mervat Sultan shared, “One of our major goals is to engage members in an educational network to showcase the many contributions and achievements of regional women to the industry…Air Expo is a great platform for us to highlight female role models in the region.”