Business

Delta Air Lines celebrates women in aviation industry

To celebrate women’s impact and support of its operations in different markets, Delta Air lines has brought together women leaders, key stakeholders, and business women in the Ghanaian aviation industry at a networking dubbed: ‘High Tea ‘ event in Accra. 

The event, which is the first of its kind, was held in Accra on Sunday, formed part of Delta’s activities to commemorate international women’s day.

Commenting on the significance of the High Tea event, Eloina Baddoo, Sales Manager of Delta Air Lines – Ghana, Liberia and  Cote d’Ivoire, said “Delta acknowledged the pivotal role that women play in international business and was committed to creating opportunities that ensure the growth and development of its women. 

“It is therefore, important that each year we make time to celebrate the global impact of women, especially the women leaders driving the Ghanaian aviation industry forward,”she added.

According to her , it was important as women in aviation to ponder the developments in the sector, the next steps of action and forge ahead.

Madam Juliet Agyapong Okae, Deputy Director General of Ghana Civil Aviation Authority and the President of Women in Aviation commended women participation in the aviation space however highlighted inadequate funds as one of the major hindrances to the sector’s progress. She urged the women to join associations and collectively develop the industry while supporting each other to make their journeys less stressful.

A panel discussion moderated by Madam Vera Metzler-Hinson saw a few women share their greatest achievements as professionals in the industry, challenges on their way to the top, and how ready they are for the next step. 

The themes discussed during the panel session included optimising services, technology, diversification, awareness creation, capacity-building initiatives and, more importantly, networking to empower women and contribute to the sector’s growth.

President of Tour Operations of Ghana (TOUGHA), Mrs Alisa Osei Asamoah disclosed, “Without the vision, you cannot move forward.”

Micheline Yahot, Country Manager of Air Cote d’Ivoire added, “You must put in the work. Women do more with what they have; empower women because they always go the extra mile.”

Guests took turns sharing their stories working in the industry and discussing ways to rise through the ranks to the top, promote and embrace gender equity and increase women’s participation in the aviation industry.

The special guest of honor, Head of the Ghana Climate Innovation Centre, Madam Ruka Sanusi commended Delta Air Lines for the initiative and commitment to the Ghanaian industry for the past  16 years. 

She said, “women are pivotal to all sectors of the economy and in the aviation industry, contribute significantly to creating a great travel experience and advancing excellence aviation.”

Madam Sanusi said she was impressed with the results-driven fight to increase women’s participation in many sectors worldwide. 

She admonished them to tap into their potential as there was so much more they can give and while at it, find the balance between their work and personal lives.

Meanwhile, the International Aviation Women’s Association has urged airlines to financially reward managers who hire more women, reported Bloomberg. 

It comes after industry data showed almost zero progress toward gender parity in the past four years. 

Women typically hold just 13 percent of executive posts at carriers, even fewer than in financial services firms, Bloomberg analysis showed last month. 

The proportion of female pilots, technicians, or chief executive officers is less than 10 percent according to a 2022 report by the US government’s Women in Aviation Advisory Board. 

The figures suggest decades of advocacy and voluntary targets for female representation are failing to deliver material advances. Managers should instead be incentivized, either with pay or promotion, to recruit a larger pro

BY TIMES REPORTER

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