Flight to the Future: Delta’s Commitment to Women in Aviation Through WING
Delta Air Lines is making waves in the aviation world with its WING Flight (Women Inspiring the Next Generation) initiative, designed to inspire young girls to pursue careers in aviation. Launched in 2015, this annual program gives over 130 girls, aged 11 to 18, an immersive experience that showcases the possibilities of a future in aviation and aerospace. Each year, the girls embark on a journey from Atlanta to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, where they are exposed to various career opportunities in the industry.
The flight is entirely operated by women—from the pilots and crew to dispatchers and ground staff—creating a real-life demonstration of female leadership in aviation. This hands-on experience aims to shatter stereotypes and encourage young women to explore careers they may not have otherwise considered.
The Significance of Female Role Models in Aviation
Representation in male-dominated fields, such as aviation, is essential to opening doors for young women. Currently, only 5% of pilots and 19% of ramp agents at Delta are women. Through the WING Flight, Delta is striving to change this by showing girls the breadth of careers available in aviation and providing them with female role models.
Beth Poole, Delta’s General Manager of Pilot Development and co-founder of WING, stresses the importance of this exposure, stating that getting young women interested in aviation early is crucial for building a diverse talent pool. By providing access to female mentors and leaders, Delta is fostering a new generation of girls who see the aviation industry as a place where they can thrive.
A Day in the Life of the WING Flight
The journey begins at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, where the girls board a Boeing 737-900 aircraft piloted and crewed by women. During the flight, the girls engage with the crew and learn about the roles they play in ensuring the success of the trip. Upon landing at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, the day is packed with exciting activities, including tours of the Space Shuttle Atlantis and the Apollo/Saturn V Center, both offering a deeper look into space exploration and the science behind aviation.
One of the highlights of the day is the Women in STEM panel, where the girls hear from NASA leaders and industry experts about career paths in science, technology, engineering, and math. These experiences are designed to give the girls a tangible connection to the aviation and aerospace fields and inspire them to dream big.
The Broader Impact of WING and Delta’s Diversity Efforts
The WING Flight is just one of the many initiatives Delta has launched to promote diversity and inclusion within its workforce. While women make up 42% of Delta’s total employees, the airline recognizes the need for more representation in technical and operational roles. The WING Flight directly addresses this issue by inspiring young girls to consider aviation careers and building a diverse talent pipeline for the future.
Delta has partnered with schools and organizations focused on STEM and aviation education, helping ensure that young women have access to the resources they need to pursue these fields. Through these partnerships, Delta is not only inspiring the next generation of female aviators but also actively working to close the gender gap in the aviation industry.
How Delta’s WING Flight is Inspiring Future Aviation Leaders
The WING Flight is more than just a one-day event; it’s part of a larger movement to inspire and empower young women to break into fields historically closed to them. Many girls who have participated in the program have gone on to pursue careers in aviation, becoming pilots, engineers, and technical experts.
As Delta continues its efforts to increase diversity in aviation, programs like WING will remain critical to fostering a more inclusive industry. For aspiring female aviators, Delta’s WING Flight is a powerful step toward realizing their dreams. The opportunities it provides—along with the mentorship and inspiration it offers—are paving the way for a new generation of women in aviation.
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