50 UK companies sign up to Women in Aviation and Aerospace Charter working towards gender equality
Companies within the UK’s aerospace and aviation sectors have joined forces to work towards gender equality in the industry.
Fifty companies, including aerospace manufacturers, airlines, airports, trade bodies and others, have signed up to the Women in Aviation and Aerospace Charter, which aspires to achieve a better gender balance across all levels of the industry. Companies which have already signed up to the Charter include industry association ADS, Airbus, BAE Systems, Boeing, Bombardier, Easyjet, Heathrow and Virgin Atlantic.
The Charter reflects industry aspirations for a better gender balance across all seniority levels. The Women in Aviation and Aerospace Charter has three key goals:
- It commits organisations to supporting the progression of women into senior roles within the Aviation and Aerospace sectors by focusing on the executive pipeline and the mid-tier level.
- It recognises the diversity of the sector and that businesses will have different starting points. The Charter recommends each firm should set its own targets, where appropriate and implement the right strategy for their organisations.
- It requires organisations to publicly report on progress to deliver against any internal targets, supporting transparency, accountability needed to drive change.
Commenting on the launch, Katherine Bennett OBE, Senior Vice President, Airbus, said: “The launch of the Women in Aviation and Aerospace Charter is a significant milestone. By signing the Charter, 50 UK firms are committing to driving change at all levels of our thriving sector.
“Such a widespread commitment to the Charter will make a genuine difference to gender diversity in aerospace and aviation and I am delighted to be celebrating this at Farnborough. From the shop floor to the boardroom, I hope today is the beginning of seeing more women in this brilliant sector.”
Balance ‘boosts productivity and morale’
ADS Chief Executive Paul Everitt added: “The aerospace industry is determined to achieve a better gender balance and making sure that women are represented at senior levels.
“Bringing together UK aerospace and aviation companies to launch this Charter is a significant commitment from our industries. A balanced workforce has been proven to boost productivity and morale so working towards gender equality is not only the right thing to do – it also makes good business sense.”
“This Charter allows companies to set their own path to gender balance in their organisation, recognising that there is no one-size-fits-all policy; I believe this will help create more sustainable gender parity.
