Delta Air Lines honours women in Aviation Industry

Delta Air Lines hosted a high tea event in Accra to bring together female leaders, significant stakeholders, and businesswomen in the Ghanaian aviation sector to recognise the contribution and support of women to its operations in various markets. The first of its type celebration of international women's day took place in the Telanda Tea Garden in Labone.

Eliona Baddoo, Sales Manager of Delta Air Lines- Ghana, Liberia, and Cote d'lvoire, commented on the significance of the High Tea event, saying, "Delta acknowledges the crucial role that women play in international business and is committed to creating opportunities that ensure the growth and development of its women.

“Therefore, it's crucial that we set aside time every year to recognise the contributions that women have made to the world, particularly the female leaders who are advancing the tourism sector in Ghana. "As women in aviation, it is crucial that we consider industry advancements, take appropriate next actions, and move forward,” she continued.

While praising women's involvement in the aviation industry, Madam Juliet Agyapong Okae, Deputy Director General of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority and President of Women in Aviation, highlighted limited funding as one of the main obstacles to the sector's development. She pushed the ladies to join organisations so that they could work together to grow the sector and support one another during their difficult journeys.

Several women participated in a panel discussion that was moderated by Madam Vera Metzler-Hinson to discuss their greatest professional accomplishments, obstacles they had to overcome, and their readiness for the next step.

Optimizing services, technology, diversification, raising awareness, measures to create capacity, and, most significantly, networking to empower women and support the sector's expansion were some of the topics covered during the panel discussion.

Without the vision, you cannot advance, said Ms. Alisa Osei Asamoah, President of Tour Operations of Ghana (TOUGHA). Air Cote d'lvoire's Micheline Yahot, the country manager, continued, "You must work hard. Women are more resourceful and constantly go above and above; they should be empowered ".

Participants took turns discussing how to advance through the ranks to the top, advance and embrace gender equity, and boost women's participation in the aviation industry while also sharing their experiences working in the field.

The special guest of honour, Mdaam Ruka Sanusi, Director of the Ghana Climate Innovation Centre, praised Delta Air Lines for its initiative and dedication to the Ghanaian economy over the past 16 years.

"Women are pivotal to all sectors of the economy," she asserted. "In the aviation industry, they significantly contribute to fostering a wonderful travel experience and advancing excellence in aviation."

She was intrigued by the aggressive campaign being waged internationally to expand the involvement of women in various fields. She urged them to realise their full potential since they have so much more to offer, and while they were doing so, to create a balance between their personal and professional life.

According to the international Aviation Women's Association, airlines ought to give managers financial incentives for hiring more women, according to Bloomberg. After four years of almost no progress towards gender parity, industry data revealed it.

According to a February Bloomberg research, women generally hold just 13% of senior positions at companies, which is even lower than in the financial services sector.

The Women in Aviation Advisory Board of the US government reported in 2022 that there are less than 10% of female pilots, technicians, or chief executive officers. The statistics indicate that decades of campaigning and voluntary objectives for female representation have not resulted in tangible improvements.

According to Kathleen Gilfoyle, head of the International Aviation Women's Association, managers should be encouraged to hire more women through remuneration or promotions.

Delta has been recognised as the "Best workplace for women" for three years running by Fortune and Great Place to Work. In Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, Kenya, and South Africa, Delta has female executives in charge of its operations and sales.

By operating daily flights between Accra and New York, Delta has expanded its services over time and kept its position as the top US airline in Ghana. A network of hundreds of convenient onward connections to destinations around the world is unmatched thanks to the Delta hubs in New York-JFK and Atlanta. Delta is dedicated to provide Ghanaians high-quality, reasonably priced service.