In a remarkable effort to inspire the next generation of female aviators, Delta Airlines recently celebrated another successful International Girls in Aviation Day. This year marked the fifth installment of their WING (Women Inspiring our Next Generation) program, which took 120 girls, aged 12 to 18, from Salt Lake City to NASA in Houston—all while being operated by an all-female crew.
The mission of this flight was clear: to help bridge the gender gap in aviation. From the pilots to the ramp agents and gate personnel, every aspect of WING Flight 2019 was planned and executed by women. Delta’s initiative, which began in 2015, aims to diversify a traditionally male-dominated industry and encourage young girls to explore STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) careers.
Empowering Future Generations
Beth Johnson, the General Manager of Pilot Development at Delta, emphasized the importance of representation: “We’re taking ownership to improve gender diversity by exposing girls at a young age,” she stated. “By providing a pipeline, we hope that in ten years, these young women will be the pilots flying the Delta planes, inspiring future generations.”
Upon arrival in Houston, the girls enjoyed a tour of NASA’s facilities, delving into topics like flight and human space exploration. They even had the opportunity to lunch with astronaut and aerospace engineer, Maya Lopez. “Before today, I thought a career in aviation was out of reach, but now I realize, ‘Hey, I can do this too,’” said 17-year-old Emily, a senior at Advanced Learning Academy.
A Unique Learning Experience
For many participants, this flight was not only a first-time experience in the air but also a unique chance to learn about aviation and its possibilities. Delta selected participants by collaborating with schools that have STEM or aviation programs, ensuring that interested future female aviators have clear pathways to success.
Delta has been committed to promoting gender equality for years. In 2019, they achieved 100 percent pay parity for frontline employees and were recognized as a “Best Workplace for Women” by Great Place To Work and Fortune for three consecutive years. Their hiring strategy now emphasizes investing in girls like those in the WING program, aiming to cultivate talent while addressing barriers related to gender, race, and economics.
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Conclusion
In summary, Delta Airlines continues to break barriers in the aviation industry by empowering young girls through their WING program. With an all-women crew leading the way, these 120 girls were not only inspired to consider careers in aviation but also had the opportunity to experience flight for the first time—all while learning about the endless possibilities in STEM.
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