Women in Aircraft Maintenance: Breaking Barriers and Building Careers in the Hangar

The journey of women in aviation started well before gender equality became a widely discussed issue. Even before women secured the right to vote, some were already breaking societal barriers by taking to the skies. A significant milestone occurred on March 8, 1910, when Raymonde de Laroche made history as the first woman to obtain a pilot’s license. To honor this achievement, Women Of Aviation Worldwide (WOAW) Week is celebrated annually to recognize the contributions of women in aviation and advocate for increased gender diversity across the industry, including in areas like aircraft maintenance engineering.

A Persistent Gender Gap in Aviation Roles

Despite increased global awareness of gender inequality in traditionally male-dominated fields, the aviation sector continues to struggle with disproportionate representation. Currently, women represent around 41% of professionals working within the aviation industry.  However, when it comes to highly technical and operational roles—such as pilots, air traffic controllers, and aircraft maintenance engineers—the figure remains strikingly low. According to IATA’s 2024 Gender in Aviation report, only 5.1% of these specialized roles are held by women. This disparity reveals the pressing need to support and promote women in areas like aviation maintenance and aircraft maintenance courses, both in India and globally.

Global Celebrations with a Purpose: WOAW Week

From March 3 to 9, 2025, WOAW Week will once again bring together people across the globe to celebrate the accomplishments of women in aviation and inspire young girls to consider exciting career opportunities within the industry. 

Since 2010, the Institute for Women of Aviation Worldwide (WOAW) has led the charge in promoting gender diversity, impacting over half a million women across 75 countries. Their initiatives include outreach programs, mentorship opportunities, scholarships, and practical experiences like trial flights and aircraft maintenance demonstrations, all designed to help close the gender gap in fields such as aircraft maintenance engineering.

A Legacy of Female Trailblazers

The roots of women in aviation run deep, with early pioneers who helped redefine what was possible.  Amelie Beese made history as the first woman to secure a patent for an aircraft design. Bessie Coleman became the first Black woman to earn a pilot’s license, while Harriet Quimby defied the odds by becoming the first woman to successfully fly across the English Channel.

These women saw aviation not just as a profession but as a means of empowerment—an idea that continues to resonate today, especially as more women enter technical professions such as aircraft maintenance engineering in India. While Orville and Wilbur Wright are widely recognized for inventing the airplane, their sister Katharine Wright was also a key figure in their success. As a communicator, fundraiser, and promoter, she ensured the Wright brothers received the recognition and support needed to revolutionize aviation. She even accompanied Wilbur on demonstration flights, making her one of the earliest women to fly. Her story is a powerful reminder of the foundational contributions women have made—not just in the skies, but behind the scenes of aviation’s evolution. While anti-discrimination laws introduced in the 1960s opened up professional spaces for women, full equity remains elusive—particularly in technical fields. Although women dominate roles such as cabin crew, comprising 79% of the workforce, they are significantly underrepresented in engineering and aircraft mechanics. For example, of the 300,000 licensed aircraft mechanics worldwide, only around 7,000 are women. Likewise, flight engineering is still largely male-dominated, with women making up less than 5%. This highlights the vast potential for women to pursue an aircraft maintenance course or an AME course in India, where they can enter high-demand and rewarding technical roles.

Empowering Women Through Industry-Wide Initiatives

To combat gender disparities, industry leaders are embracing proactive initiatives. An example of such an initiative is IATA’s 25by2025 program, designed to boost the presence of women in senior positions within the aviation sector by 25% by the year 2025. Programs like these are pivotal in encouraging more women to explore aviation maintenance courses in India and globally, helping to build a pipeline of skilled female professionals ready to take on technical and leadership responsibilities in aviation.

India’s Advancement: Women Pioneering the Future of Aviation

India's aviation industry has undergone a remarkable transformation in the last two decades. Women are now making significant contributions—not just in hospitality and ground services but also in technical and operational fields. The cultural shift towards inclusivity is empowering more women to pursue careers in aircraft maintenance engineering in India, a field that is steadily gaining visibility. As more institutions offer comprehensive AME courses in India, the pathway to a technical aviation career is becoming increasingly accessible for women across the country.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) reports that women currently make up approximately 39% of the workforce in India’s aviation sector. While the majority are still employed as cabin crew, women also comprise around 14% of India’s pilot population—one of the highest ratios in the world. This growth is encouraging more young women to consider enrolling in an aviation maintenance course in India to explore alternative career paths within the industry.

Breaking Barriers in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering

In India, the number of women pursuing aircraft maintenance engineering is steadily rising. This profession, once perceived as exclusively male, now includes many skilled and talented women who play a vital role in ensuring aircraft safety and airworthiness. Their growing presence not only enhances technical expertise but also brings diverse perspectives that drive innovation and problem-solving. With the availability of specialized aircraft maintenance courses and hands-on training, women are better equipped than ever to thrive in this essential sector of aviation.

Excelling in Air Traffic Control and Aviation Safety

Air traffic control is another high-stakes domain where women are making a strong impression. Known for their precision, focus, and ability to perform under pressure, female air traffic controllers are now integral to India’s aviation safety infrastructure. Their success has paved the way for other women to enter similarly demanding fields, including aviation maintenance, where technical acumen and decision-making are key.

Leadership and Influence: Women in Aviation Management

The aviation landscape in India is also witnessing a rise in female leadership. Women are taking charge in aviation regulatory bodies, airport management, and airline strategy. Their inclusion in executive roles has added diversity to decision-making processes, resulting in more balanced and forward-looking policies. Many of these leaders have backgrounds in engineering or have completed an AME course in India, reflecting the broad scope of career paths available to women in aviation. The evolution of women’s participation in aviation—from a rare exception to a powerful force—is reshaping how young girls envision their futures. Female engineers, pilots, and technicians are now role models who prove that with dedication and access to the right education, no dream is out of reach. Institutions offering aviation maintenance courses in India are increasingly focused on inclusivity, encouraging girls to pursue careers once thought unreachable.

Conclusion: Toward an Equitable and Empowered Future

The journey of women in aviation, particularly in technical areas like aircraft maintenance engineering, is a testament to resilience and change. With more educational institutions offering AME courses in India, and with continued support from global and national initiatives, the barriers that once limited women are gradually being dismantled. The Indian aviation industry is stronger, more innovative, and more representative because of the invaluable contributions of women at every level—from students to engineers to senior leaders.  By championing diversity and ensuring equal opportunities in training, hiring, and advancement, we pave the way for a brighter and more inclusive future. Women are not just passengers in aviation’s journey—they are the pilots, engineers, and architects of its future.