New Delhi: In a noteworthy development, there has been a significant upswing in the enrollment of women pilots in India, marking a positive shift in the aviation landscape. According to recent data provided by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Gen. (Dr) V. K. Singh (Retd), in the year 2023, a total of 1622 commercial pilot licenses (CPL) were issued, and among them, 294 CPLs were granted to women, constituting 18 percent of the total CPLs issued.
This reflects an encouraging increase of 22 percent in the number of CPLs issued to women in 2023 (294 CPLs) compared to the previous year, 2022 (240 CPLs). At present, the total number of women pilots employed with various Indian scheduled and non-scheduled operators stands at approximately 14 percent of the total flight crew strength.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation and its associated organizations have taken proactive steps to bolster the number of pilots in the country, emphasizing inclusivity. The Airports Authority of India has issued award letters for the establishment of nine new Flying Training Organizations (FTO) across five airports in the first phase, including Belagavi, Jalgaon, Kalaburagi, Khajuraho, and Lilabari. The second phase will witness six additional FTOs at airports in Bhavnagar, Hubballi, Kadapa, Kishangarh, and Salem.
Furthermore, the Women in Aviation International (WAI) – India Chapter, in collaboration with the Ministry of Civil Aviation, industry stakeholders, and leading women aviation professionals, actively conducts awareness programs across the country. These initiatives focus particularly on young schoolgirls, especially those from low-income families, with the aim of inspiring and nurturing future women aviators.
Gen. (Dr) V. K. Singh (Retd) highlighted these positive developments in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha, underscoring the commitment to fostering gender diversity and inclusivity within the aviation sector. The surge in women pilot enrollments signifies a step towards creating a more balanced and representative aviation workforce, promoting equality and empowering women in the field of aviation.
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