Airlines International Representation in Europe (AIRE) participated in the second edition of “Women in Aviation: Paving the Runway for Others,” a transformative event hosted by Boeing at their Brussels office. This initiative brought together key players in the aviation industry to address the pressing issue of gender inequality and explore strategies to foster greater inclusion within the sector.
The event featured a remarkable lineup of speakers and industry leaders, including Marie Owens Thomsen, Senior Vice President Sustainability & Chief Economist at IATA, Marie Ryan, Head of Commercial Insights at Avolon, Filip Cornelis, Director for Aviation at the European Commission, Chris Haenen, Vice President Government Relations EU & NATO at GE, Carol Sharkey, Chief Risk Officer at Ryanair, and Yvonne Moynihan, Corporate & ESG Officer at Wizz Air Group. These distinguished professionals are not only champions of gender equality but are also leading figures in aviation, driving change within their respective organizations and the industry at large.
A Platform for Change
The “Women in Aviation” event provided a platform for meaningful dialogue, where leaders shared their experiences and insights on breaking down the barriers that women continue to face in aviation. Topics ranged from addressing unconscious biases to improving representation in leadership positions, as well as creating mentorship and development programs aimed at empowering the next generation of female aviation professionals.
The exchange of ideas was both inspiring and forward-thinking, with a collective focus on finding practical solutions to the challenges faced by women in aviation.
Looking Ahead
AIRE is excited to continue its efforts to support and advocate for gender equality within the aviation sector. We are inspired by the passionate leaders we met during this event and are eager to build on the ideas and strategies discussed. By collaborating with our partners and industry peers, we can create a future where the aviation industry is a welcoming and empowering space for everyone, regardless of gender.
Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is not just about meeting targets—it’s about ensuring that the aviation industry benefits from the talents, perspectives, and contributions of all individuals. Together, we can truly pave the runway for the next generation of aviation professionals.
