The airline’s WINGs network (Women Inspiring the Next Generation) kicked off the day by giving nine young women a unique opportunity to experience what a career in aviation is like. Some of the young women joined all female operating crews on the airline’s first flights out of Auckland this morning (A320, ATR and Q300) while others paired up with female line maintenance engineers to experience ground support roles.
Air New Zealand Chief People Officer Jodie King says it was a privilege to offer the young women a behind the scenes experience.
“Encouraging more young women to consider aviation careers is a key focus for our WINGs group so it was exciting to be able to offer these aspiring pilots, cabin crew and engineers the opportunity to go on board and in the hangar to spend time with women who already perform these roles,” says Ms King.
The young women were chosen to take part through the airline’s own Aviation Institute as well as through its partnerships with The Walsh Memorial Pilot Mentoring Programme, Southern Wings, First Foundation and local schools.
The airline also launched a video this morning celebrating some of its own female trailblazers who have helped to shape the airline over the years, including former employees who stood up for equality in the workplace.
The video can be viewed on Facebook here or a broadcast quality version can be downloaded here or by clicking on the image below.