Masterclass in inclusion: Leaders from European airport and aviation sector share insights on driving inclusion
This International Women’s Day, ACI EUROPE celebrated the voices of female leaders from across its diverse membership. We have set out to find out what are the factors fostering a culture of inclusion according to them and how their organisations advance towards this goal – considering that a lot remains to be done in this area for aviation.
Whilst some progress has been achieved, globally women make up tiny proportions of key roles in the aviation sector. Various sources reveal that women make up only 5 per cent of commercial pilots, 18 per cent of flight dispatchers, 26 per cent of air traffic controllers and less than 9 per cent of aerospace engineers. Additionally, women hold only 14 per cent of C-suite roles and account for just 3 per cent of CEOs across the world’s top 100 aviation organisations. In fact, the only aviation career where women are not currently outnumbered is within cabin crew. The reality of female underrepresentation in the air transport sector remains stark.
Thankfully, the tide is shifting as more female leaders become role models for the next generations, including our interviewees. Follow their advice to not merely observe this landscape shift, but steer the course towards change.
Visibility and Role Modelling
Aletta von Massenbach of Flughafen Berlin Brandenburg GmbH stresses the power of visibility. She advocates, “People often find it difficult to imagine what they cannot see. Inclusion is no different. So let’s make examples visible, let’s tell stories – and not of women who have ‘made it.’ But stories of women who are doing a good job. They then automatically become role models.”
Eleni Kaloyirou of Hermes Airports chimes in in a similar vein: “Women in leadership positions can act as role models, demonstrating how rewarding a career in the aviation industry can be, whilst maintaining a healthy work life balance even in very demanding positions.”
Sarah Frances Procter of Copenhagen Optimization notes the importance of female representation in public speaking and the media: “By showcasing women in aviation through public speaking, community events, and media appearances, we not only share their inspiring stories but also illuminate the path for others. This visibility plays a crucial role in motivating aspiring aviators and demonstrates the many opportunities within the aviation sector. I regularly take on the role as chairwoman and encourage other women to take on the challenge by putting themselves forward as candidates.”
Wilma van Dijk of Rotterdam The Hague Airport emphasizes the importance of legitimising diversity. She states, “Everyone – regardless of background, color, age, sexual orientation- has a voice that matters. This is what I would like to achieve in the aviation sector, so also with you!”
Championing Progress and Facilitating Networking Amongst Women
Sarah Branquinho, with Avolta (previously DUFRY), sheds light on the progress and challenges within the aviation industry. She remarks, “Think of the aviation sector and what immediately springs to mind is male pilots (and female crew members); but take a broader look at all the different stakeholders in the aviation ecosystem and you will find many women in senior leadership positions, and many of those have risen through the ranks. In travel retail, many brands and retailers are setting ambitious targets for appointing women to senior roles, based on talent and meritocracy.” Sarah emphasizes the need for broader representation, adding, “It’s moving in the right direction but not fast enough.”
When asked about solutions, she underlines the power of creating a supportive network, but also change in recruitment practices towards more diversity: “Networking plays a crucial role in career growth and initiatives like Women in Travel Retail+ are essential for connecting women, fostering mentorship, and providing the tools necessary for success in the travel retail industry and beyond, and its hugely encouraging to see so many companies actively encouraging the women in their teams to join WiTR+ through the corporate partnership scheme.”
Creating Supportive Environments & Safeguarding Work-Life Balance
Eleni Kaloyirou of Hermes Airports, underscores the importance of leadership and workplace culture. She highlights, “Hermes’ leadership comprises equally women and men and career opportunities are available to all, regardless of gender.” Eleni emphasizes, “By providing an inclusive and supportive workplace environment our people are able to develop and thrive without limitations.”
Sarah Frances Procter from Copenhagen Optimization highlights the importance of support beyond encouragement. She emphasizes, “Inspiring women to join aviation goes hand in hand with ensuring they have the support and resources to thrive and advance.” Sarah also shares, “It’s imperative for companies to think creatively and offer flexible solutions that support them.”
Broadening our Job Searches
Sarah Branquinho notes the importance of HR processes in fostering inclusion “Collectively, we need to take a hard look at the barriers to women’s progression, but we also need to share some fantastic success stories and career paths of people who are leading change – whether that’s women, people who are neurodiverse or differently abled, people from different cultures.” “
She adds “If you recruit from the same pot, you will get the same dish. Let’s think about broadening our job searches, about showing what is possible, and encouraging individuals from many different backgrounds and with different abilities to apply to join the aviation industry. We serve a global cosmopolitan customer base – let’s make sure that our own industry sector reflects that and our industry once again becomes viewed as an exciting and wonderful industry to be part of.”
Leading by Example & Providing Mentorship
Ella Soltani from To70 emphasizes the significance of mentorship. She stresses that inclusion can be achieved, “By making sure we have diverse teams throughout the entire organisation, and female role models who act as mentors to inspire, guide, and support young professionals pursuing a career in aviation.”
Natasa Iacovides from Hermes Airports echoes the sentiment that inclusion should permeate our sector’s very DNA. She emphasizes, “Lead by example! Inclusion is reflected in our behaviour and daily actions! It’s ingrained in our belief system and defines who we are; it’s not something external. We all must be committed to ensuring that we provide equal opportunities to everyone wanting to explore the world of aviation.”
Commitment to a Future Where Diversity is Fundamental to our Success
Esther J. Kromhout of NACO, celebrates the strides made towards inclusivity in her own organisation and points out that inclusion should be a common goal for our industry. She states, “Since I first joined NACO as a project manager in my thirties, we’ve transformed from a Dutch, male-dominated firm into a truly multicultural company that warmly embraces diversity of all kinds, beyond just gender.” Esther affirms, “ While we’ve made strides—circa 30% of our staff is female with some in pivotal roles—we acknowledge there’s more ground to cover. Yet, our trajectory is clear: inclusivity enhances our global responsiveness, shaping an enriching journey for all. With each milestone, we affirm our commitment to progress, driving innovation and excellence. Together, we propel towards a future where diversity isn’t just celebrated—it’s fundamental to our success.”
With special thanks to our contributors:
Aletta von Massenbach, CEO at Berlin Brandenburg Airport & ACI EUROPE Board Member
Wilma van Dijk, CEO at Rotterdam The Hague Airport & ACI EUROPE Board Member
Eleni Kaloyirou, CEO at Hermes Airports & ACI EUROPE Board Member
Ella Soltani, Managing Director at To70 Aviation
Sarah Branquinho, External Affairs Advisor at AVOLTA & World Business Partner Observer to ACI EUROPE Board
Natasa Iacovides, Senior Manager of Human Resources at Hermes Airports
Sarah Frances Proctor, CCO at Copenhagen Optimization and representative to the ACI EUROPE World Business Partner Advisory Board
Esther Kromhout, Managing Director at NACO, Netherlands Airport Consultants
