Wings of change: celebrating women's leadership in aviation at Emirates

When one thinks of Emirates, the iconic red hat and white scarf worn by the airline’s cabin crew often spring to mind.

However, behind this signature look lies a powerful narrative of empowerment and leadership among South African women who are making waves across the aviation industry.

During last year's Women's Month celebrations in August, Emirates brought to the forefront the remarkable contributions of 773 South African women who play crucial roles in the airline's operations.

These talented individuals are not confined to the cabin; they are flying the planes, maintaining aircraft, managing logistics, driving sales, and even advancing technology.

Their presence is felt across strategic management, corporate roles, back offices, and hangars, demonstrating that their impact transcends the boundaries of Women’s Month, contributing meaningfully every single day.

Statistics reveal a powerful testament to this commitment: South African women constitute 59% of Emirates' workforce.

Out of this, 599 women primarily serve as cabin crew, while others are making significant strides in roles across airport operations, legal, finance, engineering, and vital positions in the cockpit as pilots.

Notably, the inclusion of 12 South African female pilots marks a positive trend towards increasing diversity in a previously male-dominated field.

Women taking command

However, the story of progress in aviation is not merely measured in numbers.

At Emirates, women are at the forefront of decision-making processes that shape the core of aviation, overseeing engineering, flight operations, and network planning.

Their contributions are tangible and critical across various technical roles.

Anele Ndlovu, an aircraft technician at Emirates Engineering, epitomises the spirit of this change.

"Working as an aircraft technician at Emirates has given me many proud moments where I felt part of something bigger," she shared.

"Every completed job and safe departure feels like an achievement." This sentiment echoes the pride felt by many women within the organisation as they uphold the high safety standards that Emirates is known for.

Captain Chrystal Walker, one of the esteemed pilots, mirrored this sentiment, stating, "Landing the world’s largest passenger jet at the world’s largest airports is quite incredible. The opportunity to fly such a beautiful machine and having Emirates, the passengers, and the other crew trust you to do this safely and professionally amazes me still."

Emirates distinguishes itself by its commitment to cultivating talent.

Women occupy significant roles as pilots, engineers, and senior managers, a reflection of the organisation’s belief in fostering opportunities based on merit.

It is about placing the best person in the right position and empowering them to lead.

Ammarah Bassa, a member of the cabin crew, conveyed her pride, stating, “As a South African woman, I take pride in the strength, resilience, and courage that have shaped women before us. In my role as a cabin crew member, I have the privilege of connecting with people from around the world, and I do so with the pride and empathy shaped by my roots.”

South African women are also at the vanguard of innovation within Emirates.

Chantelle Marsh, Cargo Product Development Controller at Emirates SkyCargo, discussed her groundbreaking work, saying, “Joining the Emirates Courier Express product team to contribute to the new service has been a highlight of my logistics career. Seeing our ideas turn into real solutions that connect customers globally is incredibly rewarding.”

BUSINESS REPORT