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Australian Airports Association sets up women in airports network

written by WOFA | March 8, 2019

Passengers checking in at Melbourne Tullamarine Terminal 4. (Jetstar)
Passengers checking in at Melbourne Tullamarine Terminal 4. (Jetstar)

The Australian Airports Association (AAA) is creating a network for women who work in the airport industry as part of efforts to support the “participation and advancement of women working in both operational and leadership roles”.

The Women in Airports Network (WIAN) was launched on International Women’s Day on Friday.

The AAA said the network would provide a forum to discuss career development and leadership pathways for women working in airports across Australia and New Zealand.

“Airports operate in a truly global industry and a diverse workforce is absolutely crucial to support our growth and success,” AAA chief executive Caroline Wilkie said in a statement.

“With global passenger traffic expected to double in the next 15 years, there will be many great career development opportunities for airport staff in the future.

“We are absolutely committed to ensuring gender diversity is a clear focus as we prepare for this next phase of growth in the industry.”

The AAA said it would hold a Women in Airports Forum ahead of its national conference in November 2019.

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Meanwhile, the federal government on Friday launched a women in aviation initiative designed to encourage more women to pursue careers in aviation.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said $4 million in funding would be used on a wide range of programs to engage with women.

“One example is to target school-aged students and their parents to better understand the wonderful career opportunities of the aviation sector,” McCormack said in a statement.

“From the career path of CEOs such as Tigerair’s Merren McArthur to Saskia Ford from CASA who worked the hangar floors as an aircraft engineer, there’s a world of opportunities for women in aviation and not just for pilots

The government said it would work with relevant industry groups on the Women in Aviation initiative.

Women in Aviation International (WAI) Australian chapter President Tam Augostin said theinitiatie would provide a major boost to the aviation industry’s goal of increasing the number of women working in the sector.

“This funding will support initiatives by significantly advancing outreach programs, and maximising the ability to support young girls and women across regional and remote Australia,” Augostin said.

“The funding will target grass root programs to reach out to young women, whether it will be handing out pamphlets at airports, advertising or even mentoring young women as they find their feet or wings in the aviation industry.”

Wilkie said the AAA looked forward to working with the government on the women in aviation initiative.

“We are really pleased to see the Federal Government investing in the future careers of women in aviation,” Ms Wilkie said.

“Today’s announcement will ensure programs that can make a tangible difference to female participation in our industry can be funded.”

Earlier this week, the federal government announced the airport being built at Badgerys Creek would be named Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport.

The aviation sector has taken to social media to mark International Women’s Day. Here is a selection:

Air India:

Airservices Australia:

CHC Helicopter:

Emirates:

Jetstar Australia:
https://www.facebook.com/JetstarAustralia/videos/435089823698103/

Qantas:

Royal Australian Air Force:

Royal Flying Doctor Service:

Tigerair Australia:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BuuB-G8By44/

Virgin Australia:

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