Delta Air Lines honours women working in aviation industry

By: WE Staff | Tuesday, 28 March 2023

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

The significance of the High Tea event was discussed by Eliona Baddoo, Sales Manager of Delta Air Lines- Ghana, Liberia, and Cote d'lvoire, who stated, "Delta is committed to providing opportunities that will ensure the growth and development of its women and recognises the critical role that women play in international business.

"Therefore it's important that we set aside time each year to honour the achievements that women have made to the globe, especially the female leaders who are promoting the Ghanaian tourist industry. "In order to grow as women in aviation, it is essential that we take into account recent developments in the field, she said.

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.

Madam Vera Metzler-Hinson moderated a panel discussion with several women to discuss their greatest professional achievements, challenges they overcame, and readiness for the next step.

Some of the subjects discussed during the panel discussion were improving services, technology, diversity, boosting awareness, taking steps to build capacity, and, most importantly, networking to promote the sector's growth and empower women.

You cannot grow without a vision, according to Ms. Alisa Osei Asamoah, President of Ghana's Tour Operations (TOUGHA). The country manager for Air Cote d'lvoire, Micheline Yahot, continued, "Work must be put in. 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.