Indore: Aiming to spur career of women in aviation and related industries and to encourage girls to take up science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) as subjects of study, the Indian chapter of Women in Aviation International and defence major Lockheed Martin India Private Limited, in association with Airports Authority of India (AAI), celebrated the ‘Girls in Aviation Day‘ at the airport here.
The event showcased opportunities for women in the aviation and aerospace sectors, as part of Lockheed Martin’s ongoing commitment and investment in developing the next generation of future engineers, explorers and scientists in India. This initiative also aligns with the Government of India‘s ‘Skill India‘ initiative.
“This is the fourth year that the Women in Aviation International’s India Chapter is celebrating ‘Girls in Aviation Day’ and we are delighted to host the same at Indore. This day is celebrated for the young girls to encourage them to choose aviation as a viable career opportunity,” Women in Aviation International (India Chapter) President Radha Bhatia said.
“The world over, India has the maximum number of female pilots, but there are many other avenues that are still unknown. With this celebration, our aim is to see girls from the state of Madhya Pradesh explore exciting careers available to them as engineers, air traffic controllers and dozens of other jobs within the aviation.” Bhatia said.
“We will continue our endeavour to introduce young girls to role models and educate them in a fun and supportive atmosphere.”
As part of the programme, Women in Aviation International (India Chapter) invited more than 50 students from various schools for a tour of the Indore Airport.
Visiting students were given an opportunity to explore, learn, and discover various aspects of aviation and aerospace roles such as Air Traffic Controller (ATC), airline dispatch, pilot, aviation maintenance technician, aeronautical engineer and aviation management.
In addition, the students were given a tour of the ATC Tower, Fire Section and Terminal Building and had their questions answered by the officials working in the respective departments.
“Being a leading global security and aerospace company, Lockheed Martin understands the importance of STEM education and its impact on the Indian economy. As part of our commitment to ‘Skill India’ initiative, we are proud to partner with Women in Aviation International (India chapter) for the fourth consecutive year,” Lockheed Martin India Vice President and Chief Executive William (Bill) Blair said.
“Through the ‘Girls in Aviation Day’, we seek to help narrow the skills gap with STEM education, fostering a learning environment and empowering young women with necessary skills needed to succeed in aviation and aerospace industries.”
Post the airport tour, the students were given a presentation about the aviation and aerospace industries and its functioning. Students also received an opportunity to interact with the Indore Airport Director Aryama Sanyal, Air India Assistant General Manager Tanima Nigam, and Women in Aviation International (India Chapter) Secretary Noopurr R. Chablani.
NOTE: Women in Aviation International (India Chapter) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the encouragement and advancement of women in all aviation career fields and interests. The India Chapter provides networking, mentoring and scholarship opportunities for women who are striving for challenging and fulfilling careers in the aviation and aerospace industries.
NOTE: Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 105,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.
Present in India for over three decades, Lockheed Martin is proud of its longstanding relationships and commitment to customers and partners on existing and potential programmes. These range from transport, maritime and fighter aircraft, to shipborne air and missile defence projects as well as capabilities in civil sectors including new and renewable energy.
A dedicated partner and developer of sovereign industrial, workforce and enterprise capability development, our multiple joint ventures, apprenticeships and founding membership of the India Innovation Growth Program underscore our belief in Indian industry, talent, and progress.
