Delta's WING Flight Program Takes Off to Inspire Young Women in Aviation
Delta Air Lines is taking significant strides to address the gender imbalance in aviation through its WING Flight program. The annual initiative, which stands for 'Women Inspiring Our Next Generation', provides an immersive experience for over 130 girls aged 11 to 18, showcasing career opportunities in aviation and aerospace. The program is part of Delta's broader efforts to increase diversity and close the gender gap in the industry, where only 5% of pilots and 19% of ramp agents are women.
The WING Flight program offers a range of activities designed to inspire and educate young women about aviation. Participants enjoy tours of iconic sites like the Space Shuttle Atlantis and the Apollo/Saturn V Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. They also engage in a Women in STEM panel, providing insights into successful careers in historically male-dominated fields. The program is operated entirely by women, including a recent flight from Atlanta to the space center, demonstrating female leadership in aviation.
Delta's commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion extends beyond the WING Flight program. The airline partners with local groups, schools, and organizations focused on STEM and aviation education. These collaborations include Minneapolis Community & Technical College for aviation maintenance and pilot pathways, and California Aeronautical University via the Reach Flight Center initiative. Beth Poole, Delta's General Manager of Pilot Development and co-founder of WING, emphasizes the importance of exposing young women to aviation early in their lives.
The WING Flight program is more than just an annual event; it's a powerful step towards inspiring and empowering young women to break into the aviation industry. Many girls who have participated in the program have gone on to pursue careers in aviation, demonstrating its positive impact. Delta Air Lines' commitment to increasing diversity and closing the gender gap in aviation is evident through its partnerships and initiatives like the WING Flight program.
