The Lift Off To Leadership Study, conducted by Oliver Wyman in collaboration with the International Aerospace Women’s Association, sheds light on the challenges women face in the aviation industry and offers actionable recommendations to foster gender parity.
In this video, Oksana Bardygula and Livia Hayes of Oliver Wyman Vector outline the major findings of the report.
This marks the second edition of the study, following its 2021 debut, with plans for a third iteration in three years.
The study reveals stark differences in the daily experiences of men and women in the industry. Women are significantly less likely than men to perceive their organizations as achieving gender parity. Implicit bias, microaggressions and other negative experiences were cited as key factors pushing women out of the industry, in contrast to men, who often leave for higher compensation or personal reasons.
Despite these challenges, the study found alignment between men and women on strategies to improve retention. Flexible work schedules emerged as a top priority for both genders. Additionally, sponsorship—where influential leaders advocate for women’s advancement—was identified as a critical factor in retaining and promoting women in aviation. Structured sponsorship programs, in particular, have shown promising results.
The study underscores the need for industry-wide efforts to address these barriers and create a more inclusive environment for women in aviation.
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