Data published by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) shows that the last four years has seen a 26 percent increase in the number of pilot licences issued to women.
While the headline figure may look encouraging, there remains a significant disparity in the number of female versus male pilots, with women pilots accounting for just six percent of the overall figure, which is roughly in line with global averages.
The CAA published the figures to coincide with the Women in Aviation and Aerospace Charter (WiAAC) event held at the Farnborough International Airshow. During a panel convened at the event, the CAA’s Chair and Patron of the Charter, Sir Stephen Hillier highlighted the overall post-pandemic recovery in the number of licences issued.
CAA data showed that in 2019, the number of pilot licenses issued to women were 239, with this increasing to 301 in 2023. This compares to a total of 3,267 licences issued in 2019 and 3,752 in 2023.
Sharon Nicholson, Chairwoman of the British Women Pilots’ Association and UK Airprox Board Inspector at the CAA said: “As a pilot, it’s incredibly rewarding to see the rise in female pilots over the years, the change in the industry makes it more accessible for young women.
“I actively encourage young females to consider flying as a career choice and it’s empowering to see so many unlocking the incredible possibilities of the aviation industry.”
Bronwyn Fraser, Secretary of the British Women Pilots’ Association and Sustainability Principal at the CAA said: “Women pilots bring diverse perspectives and skills. But aviation is so much more than just flying. We have brilliant women engineers, air traffic controllers, and sustainability experts pushing the boundaries of innovation, developing new technologies and unlocking the full potential of our airspace.
“We need more young women in aviation and must inspire the next generation to take flight and build an inclusive future for aviation.”
According to CAA stats, most licences issued to female pilots were for aeroplanes – both commercial and general aviation – with 270 licences issued in 2023, compared to 202 in 2019, marking a 34 percent increase in aeroplane licences issued to women.
There has also been a 43 percent increase in commercial licences issued to women, compared to 31 percent for men. For private licences issued, there has been a 11 percent increase for women, whereas there has been a one percent decrease for men.
Helicopter licences (25 issued in 2023) were the second most common licences issued to women by the regulator, with balloon pilot licences the third most common (3). Other pilot licences issued include Gyroplanes and Sailplanes.
The CAA says that it continues to support increasing the numbers of women in aviation and aerospace, particularly through its STEM programme. The regulator supports several initiatives to encourage girls to gain the skills they need to pursue careers in the industry including, The Girls Network, STEMettes and Tech She Can.
According to the International Society of Women Airline Pilots (ISA), less than six percent of pilots worldwide are women.
India takes the top spot, with more than twice the global average of women pilots. According to the most recent statistics, there are over 1,200 female pilots in India, making up around 10 percent of the total pilot workforce.
According to ISA, second on the list are Ireland and South Africa, which each have 9.9 percent women pilots, followed by Canada at 7 percent, and Germany at 6.9 percent.
Analysing by airline, ISA reports that regional carriers are leading the race for having the highest percentage of female pilots on their flight decks, while low-cost airlines have the fewest.
Topping the airline list are Air India with just under 13 percent women pilots, followed by Aer Lingus at 9.9 percent, Hawaiian Airlines at 9.3 percent, United Airlines at 7.7 percent, and Lufthansa (LH) at 6.9 percent.
Back in the UK, the British Women Pilots’ Association (BWPA) acts as a focal point to promote flying to women. Formed in 1955, the BWPA exists to inspire and support women in all areas of aviation and all types of flying, including fixed-wing, rotary, gliding, microlights and ballooning.
Members of the BWPA are involved in all areas of the aviation industry, including commercial flying, recreational flying, instructing, air traffic control and engineering. Members are of all ages, experiences and backgrounds, and all share a common passion.
The BWPA offers a number of flying scholarships to women each year, with the 2024 series of scholarships opening soon. To be eligible to apply for a scholarship, applicants first need to be members of the association, which costs just £48 per year, and unlocks a large number of benefits in addition to the BWPA’s scholarship scheme.
