Despite the cultural restrictions that prevent women from entering into the aviation profession, several women have bucked the odds and achieved high-ranking pilot positions.
The aviation industry has been a male-dominated industry and the assumption that female pilots cannot manage jobs and parenting is one of the main causes of this situation.
According to statistics from the International Society of Women Airline Pilots only 5 per cent of pilots in the aviation sector are women.
The latest entrance being Anita Oteri daughter to Kenyan Pilot Captain Constant Oteri who handed over the flying baton to his daughter at an emotional farewell party after hitting over 29,000 hours in the sky.
This was after the national carrier held a farewell party for the retired captain who was accompanied by his family, in honour of his service.
“After 29,800 hours in the sky, Captain Constant Oteri retires from Kenya Airways. Capt. Oteri passes on the baton to his daughter first officer, Anita Oteri who also flies with us,” read the statement in part.
The retired captain could not hide his joy during the event stating that he was happy that one of his kin was taking over from him.
“I’m a family man with a lovely wife, four amazing daughters, and one son. My daughter is following in my footsteps and is a First Officer on the Ejet. So, one day there will be another Captain Oteri,” he stated.
Additionally, Captain Irene Koki is one of the most successful female pilots in Kenya and beyond.
She is recognised as the first woman to be certified as a pilot in Kenya. Her story is a motivation to young women who are passionate about joining the aviation industry.
Koki certainly opened the window for other women considering her success in the industry.
Others include Captain Emmy Chepkwony who flies the B737, Captain Savia Maria Ondego is in charge of the E190, Captain Fiona Ngumi (E190), Captain Mercy Aluvale, B737, Captain Anne Mokua, Captain Celine Ager (B737) and Captain Paula Kahuho Mwarari.
Late last year the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) had pursued solutions to bridge the gender and age gap in the travel industry.
According to the association, women numbers are still low while at the same time the pool for future professionals for the industry is limited.
It said these two factors pose a challenge to the sustainability of the air transport sector travel.
To boost gender diversity, AFRAA has organised training to empower women in aviation.
It also plans to create an African Air Transport Fund to invest in skill development of the next generation aviation professionals in Africa.
The association has also called on all African airlines to sign up for the IATA 25 by 2025 initiative.
The initiative is a voluntary campaign by IATA member airlines to improve female representation in the industry by 25 per cent, or up to a minimum of 25 per cent by 2025.
