Image: Emirates Airlines
March 8 marks International Women’s Day, and airlines around the world will be marking it in their own special way – Emirates Airlines and Malaysia Airlines are just two.
Emirates is embracing equity this International Women’s Day by focusing on the theme of #EmbraceEquity through discussions on gender equity, record levels of female promotions and providing company-wide access to ‘Unconscious Bias’ training.
Women at Emirates Group
More than 23,000 women are employed by the Emirates Group, representing 41% of the total workforce employed at Emirates worldwide and dnata in the UAE. This sizeable number has been on an upward trajectory in 2023 and active recruitment continues. Currently almost 40% of middle and senior management positions across non-operational grades are held by women at Emirates Group.
Emirates recently demonstrated its commitment to gender balance by officially signing the UAE Gender Balance Council’s pledge, supporting the UAE government’s efforts to increase female representation at middle to senior management positions by 2025. The pledge supports the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal to achieve gender equality, empowering all women and girls. As part of the pledge, Emirates agreed to support the UAE Gender Balance Council’s work by sharing data and best practices, as well as maintaining an ongoing internal review of company policies, practices, and procedures.
Pay Equity
Emirates Group pay and benefits structures are also free from gender bias, with remuneration offered based on skills and experience, regardless of gender or nationality, while the airline has also celebrated record promotions for women. Emirates Group accounts 56% of total promotions in the last 12 months, the highest figure to date. Emirates Group has many women in leadership roles who have received multiple promotions and worked with the company for more than a decade.
Malaysia Airlines
Malaysia Airlines has marked the day with a special rare all-women-operated flight.
From the point of check-in to aerobridge handling, aircraft taxing and refuelling, and onboard the flight through to the cabin crew and flight crew were all women. Flight MH 2520, a daily scheduled flight service from Kuala Lumpur International Airport to Kuching International Airport, was operated by a narrow-body Boeing 737-800 on March 6.
In a statement, Malaysia Airways said: “What makes the all-women flight extra special is that it necessitates a holistic approach that encompasses advancing women’s participation in technical positions and diminishing income inequality. And we remain committed to championing and empowering women to play an active role in achieving their career and business goals by cultivating a culture that celebrates inclusivity, diversity, and equality in gender, race, religion, and age.”
