There are no gender differences in aviation

On 19 July 2023, QAZAQ AIR made a historic flight, which became an important milestone for the entire aviation industry in Kazakhstan. For the first time in the country's history, a domestic female crew, including pilots and flight attendants, was formed. Under the command of Captain Ekaterina Sverchkova and co-pilot Azhar Nesipbaeva, two sectors of the route were performed: Astana - Petropavlovsk - Astana and Astana - Omsk - Astana. This event attracted attention not only in the professional environment, but also sparked public debate about the role of women in aviation.

Difficulties in planning and organising the flight

Organising a flight with an exclusively female crew is a process that requires precision, attention and coordination of many factors. From proper crewing to taking into account weather conditions and the technical condition of the aircraft, each element plays a role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of the flight.

The task of flight planning was not an easy one. Damira Kanafina of the Flight Planning Department managed to organise the flight only at the second attempt. The key point was a detailed study of the crew's schedule, their flying hours, rest time and other parameters necessary for the safe fulfilment of the flight.

Professionalism does not depend on gender

For many passengers, the flight was an experience that was impossible to ignore. Despite the fact that the passengers did not know the crew in advance, some of them were surprised and delighted when they noticed the female voice of the aircraft commander Ekaterina Sverchkova when announcing the flight information.

The crew itself did not feel much emotion about their line-up. As co-pilot Azhar Nesipbaeva noted, it was a normal flight for them, in which everyone did their job. ‘Any profession has no gender. There is a professional who is dedicated to his work,’ she emphasised, noting that in aviation it is not gender that matters, but qualifications and dedication.

Damira Kanafina also made an important remark, emphasising that events of this kind help to break stereotypes and prejudice against women in professions traditionally perceived as male. In her opinion, professionalism does not depend on gender, and the level of education and competence is the result of efforts and striving for perfection.

Gender equality in global aviation

In the international arena, trends towards more female pilots are also becoming visible. While the global percentage of female pilots is only 5 per cent, countries like India have reached a figure of 13 per cent. Gender imbalance in aviation is an issue that various organisations are actively involved in addressing. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) launched an initiative in 2019 to increase the number of women in the profession to 25 per cent by 2025.

Data shows that airlines and aviation organisations are gradually moving away from stereotypes to provide more diverse and inclusive workforces. More women are becoming interested in the pilot profession and employers are beginning to realise that gender diversity in the team impacts on efficiency and quality of work.

QAZAQ AIR case study: gender equality as a corporate value

For QAZAQ AIR, the project of forming the first female crew was not only an important professional step, but also a vivid example of the realisation of corporate social responsibility. The company has demonstrated that it is ready to create opportunities for women by supporting them in careers where gender does not play a decisive role.

The project received wide coverage in the media and social networks, and generated public discussions. The PR campaign that accompanied the event included a press release, exclusive filming with crew members, interviews with pilots and flight attendants. This helped to raise public awareness and demonstrate the company's progressive approach to gender equality.

Public Impact and Reactions

Public reaction to the first ever women's air command was varied. Reports of the flight spread quickly on social media, and while most responses were positive, there was no shortage of criticism. Some users, mostly men, expressed doubts about women's ability to fly an aircraft, voicing old stereotypes that such ‘masculine professions’ should not be available to women. However, even in this context, the reactions were an important signal that the fight against prejudice and stereotypes is not yet over, and that there are deep vestiges in society about the role of women in professional life.

At the same time, these discussions were an additional incentive to spread the right message that the profession is genderless. Professionalism, perseverance and qualifications are independent of gender - this is an important message for future generations, for girls who want to pursue careers in aviation and other traditionally male dominated fields.

Conclusion: where is this move leading to?

The launch of the first female crew in the history of Kazakhstani aviation was an important step in promoting gender equality, both at the industry level and in the minds of society. This project confirms that with desire and perseverance, women can successfully work in any profession, regardless of stereotypes and preconceived notions.

In the long term, such initiatives will contribute to a significant increase in the number of women in aviation and other technical professions, as well as reinforcing corporate values centred on diversity and inclusion.

prepared by Akbota Orynbayeva

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