Ethiopian Airlines marked International Women’s Day with a special flight operated entirely by an all-female crew, landing at Hosea Kutako International Airport in Namibia. The First Lady of Namibia, Susette Mbumba, welcomed the historic flight, highlighting the role of women in aviation and beyond.
Addressing the gathering, the First Lady praised the initiative, stating, “When women rise, the world rises with them.” She described the flight as a symbol of progress and emphasized the need for continued efforts to achieve gender equality.
A Tradition of Female Empowerment in Aviation
Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest and most successful carrier, has been at the forefront of promoting gender equality in the aviation industry. The airline first introduced all-female crew flights in 2015, making history with a flight from Addis Ababa to Bangkok. Since then, it has conducted similar flights to cities around the world, including Lagos, Oslo, Washington, and Buenos Aires.
These flights feature female professionals in all key operational roles, including pilots, cabin crew, air traffic controllers, ground operations staff, maintenance technicians, and flight dispatchers. This initiative aims to highlight the capabilities of women in the aviation industry and inspire the next generation to pursue careers in fields traditionally dominated by men.
Namibia’s Commitment to Gender Equality
Namibia has made significant strides toward gender equality, ranking among the top African countries in closing the gender gap, according to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report. The country has implemented policies to increase women’s participation in leadership, business, and education.
By welcoming Ethiopian Airlines’ all-female flight, Namibia reaffirmed its support for women’s empowerment, particularly in male-dominated industries like aviation. The event served as a powerful reminder of the progress being made and the work that remains in achieving full gender parity.
Ethiopian Airlines’ Leadership in Gender Inclusion
Ethiopian Airlines’ CEO, Mesfin Tasew, has emphasized the company’s dedication to diversity and inclusion, noting that women now make up a growing percentage of the airline’s workforce, including pilots, engineers, and executives.
The airline has established various training programs and scholarships aimed at increasing the representation of women in aviation. Captain Amsale Gualu, one of Ethiopia’s first female pilots, has been a key figure in inspiring young women to join the industry.
As Ethiopian Airlines continues to lead in gender inclusion, initiatives like the all-female flight crew serve as both a celebration and a call to action. By fostering greater opportunities for women in aviation, the airline is not only strengthening its workforce but also contributing to a more inclusive and equitable global industry.
The successful landing in Namibia stands as a testament to the airline’s ongoing commitment to empowering women and breaking barriers in aviation.
