In a landmark move for gender diversity in aviation, IndiGo, India's leading airline, welcomed its first-ever all-women batch of 33 maintenance technicians. This milestone, coinciding with National Engineering Day, underscores IndiGo's commitment to breaking gender barriers and fostering an inclusive work environment.
This initiative aligns with IndiGo's broader Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) program, branded as "6E Embrace," which aims to support and advance employees and customers regardless of gender, race, religion, or other diverse factors. The airline has been actively working to increase female representation across various departments, including traditionally male-dominated roles such as engineering, ramp operations, baggage handling, and specialized marshal positions.
IndiGo's dedication to gender equality is evident in its workforce composition, with women comprising 44.4% of the total employees. Furthermore, women hold nearly 19% of leadership positions within the company, demonstrating their significant role at all levels. The airline also boasts a high percentage of women pilots, with approximately 14% of its total pilot workforce being female, surpassing the global average of 7-9%. IndiGo aims to further increase the number of women pilots to over 1,000 within the next year.
The induction of the all-women maintenance technician batch not only strengthens IndiGo's commitment to gender diversity but also addresses the growing demand for skilled aviation professionals in India. The airline industry is experiencing rapid growth, and there is a need to tap into the full potential of the workforce by creating opportunities for women in all areas.
Several other initiatives by IndiGo support women's career development and work-life balance, including on-site daycare facilities and flexible working hours. These efforts contribute to a supportive and inclusive environment where women can thrive and contribute to the airline's success.
IndiGo's efforts align with the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) "25 by 2025" initiative, which aims to increase female representation in leadership roles and the overall workforce. By actively participating in such programs and implementing its own DEI initiatives, IndiGo is setting a benchmark for other organizations in the aviation industry and beyond.
This step towards inclusivity extends beyond gender, as IndiGo has also doubled its workforce of individuals with disabilities, offering a supportive environment for all. Moreover, the company provides sustainable livelihoods to marginalized groups, including transgenders.
The airline also focuses on providing internal growth opportunities to its employees through programs such as Internal Job Posting (IJP) and the Fly High Program, an Ab-Initio Pilot scheme. These initiatives promote employee development and provide a platform for individuals to pursue their career aspirations within the company.
IndiGo's commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace has earned it recognition, including the 'Exceptional Employee Experience' Award at the ET HR World EX Awards 2025. This award is a testament to the airline's continuous efforts to foster a culture built on inclusion, innovation, and impact. By welcoming its first all-women batch of maintenance technicians, IndiGo is not only breaking stereotypes but also inspiring other women to pursue careers in aviation and engineering.