IndiGo takes the lead with 14% women pilots, far ahead of global standards

IndiGo, India’s largest airline, is emerging as a leader in gender diversity in aviation, with women making up 14% of its pilot workforce, nearly double the global average of 7-9%. As per the airline, the company has been actively working to improve gender representation across roles, from the cockpit to technical and leadership positions.”At IndiGo, we champion diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), not just as a policy, but as a core value woven into the fabric of our organisation. We firmly believe that a diverse and inclusive workplace is a stronger and more innovative one,” the airline said in a statement.

In a move to mark India’s 77th Independence Day

IndiGo inducted 77 female pilots into its Airbus and ATR fleet on August 14, 2024. The initiative, which aligns with the airline’s broader diversity efforts, aims to encourage more women to take up careers in aviation.
Women make up a significant part of IndiGo’s workforceCurrently, 44% of IndiGo’s total workforce is female, making it one of the more gender-diverse airlines globally. Women also account for 25% of its STEM roles and 17% of revenue-generating positions.

The airline expects to cross 1,000 women pilots by August 2025, reinforcing its position as a major employer of female aviators. IndiGo’s share of women pilots is already among the highest in the industry.

New measures to support female travellers and pilots

IndiGo has introduced a new seat selection feature for female passengers, which allows them to see seats booked by other women — marked in pink — during web check-in. Currently in its pilot phase, the initiative is based on market research and is available for solo female travellers and family bookings.For pilots, the airline has implemented a reduced flying contract for women with children under five, aiming to improve retention and make cockpit roles more accessible. The policy is part of broader efforts to address the gender imbalance in aviation, where long hours and frequent travel can make career progression difficult for women.

Recognition and leadership programmes

In June 2024, IndiGo received the Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion (DEI) Champion Award from the Bombay Chamber of Commerce and Industry, recognising its initiatives to improve workplace diversity.

The airline has also launched leadership development programmes for female managers, aiming to increase representation in senior roles. In FY 2024, it introduced training programmes for mid- and senior-level women across departments, focusing on career progression and leadership skills.

As IndiGo expands its operations, it continues to track gender diversity metrics and introduce policies to improve female participation at all levels. With women playing an increasingly prominent role in its workforce, the airline is taking steps to make aviation a more accessible and sustainable career choice for them.

Shares of InterGlobe Aviation Ltd, the parent company of IndiGo, closed at ₹4,765 on the NSE, rising ₹66.90 or 1.42%.

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