Women in Aviation: Journey of Zoya Agarwal and Her Peers

Historically, the aviation industry was largely male-dominated. However, times have changed. Today, women are breaking barriers and inspiring generations. Captain Zoya Agarwal represents determination, brilliance, and empowerment among the trailblazers.

This blog sheds some light on women's initiation into aviation, the hurdles they have overcome, the milestones and the role models such as Zoya Aggarwal who have become torchbearers.

The story of women in aviation started in the 20th century. In 1932, Amelia Earhart was the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean, challenging gender roles. Bessie Coleman, the first African-American woman to earn a pilot's license, challenged gender prejudices to follow her dream around that time. These women paved the way for a future where women could aspire to careers in aviation.

Plagued by Gender Stereotypes: It was believed that women did not have the mental toughness or physical endurance to be pilots or aeronautical engineers.

Lack of Role Models: Young girls found it difficult to pursue these careers without female role models.

Institutional Discrimination: Many airlines have policies discouraging female applicants.

Balancing Family and Career: Societal expectations around domestic responsibilities made it hard for women to meet aviation demands. Yet, women made their presence felt in aviation.

In 1936, Sarla Thakral, then 21, became the first Indian woman to fly an aircraft. She got her pilot license in British India; women’s education was a privilege.

However, it wasn’t until the liberalization of the aviation sector in the 1990s that prospects began to open up, and more women became commercial pilots.

Interestingly, India has one of the highest percentages of female pilots, a testament to changing attitudes and improving infrastructure.

Captain Zoya Agarwal became a commercial pilot and continually rewrote the rulebook on what women in aviation can achieve.

In Delhi, Zoya grew up like several other Indian girls of her generation, in a traditional setting where career aspirations for women frequently took a back seat to social expectations. But Zoya had a dream of becoming a pilot. Her parents, though initially anxious, finally supported her ambition. She joined the Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics to complete the training and then took a job at Air India in 2004.

Making History

In 2013, Zoya became the youngest woman pilot to fly a Boeing 777, one of commercial aviation's largest and most complex aircraft. This achievement helped her gain fame not just in India but internationally as well. However, her most iconic moment came in January 2021.

Zoya commandeered the longest nonstop commercial flight ever operated by an Indian airline, from San Francisco to Bengaluru. The flight covered 16,000 kilometers and flew over the North Pole. This flight was operated by an all-women cockpit crew, a first of its kind.

Here was a group of Indian women, soaring across the globe, crossing the North Pole, commanding an enormous jetliner, and making history. Click here to see the full interview of Captain Zoya Agarwal.

Global Recognition

Captain Zoya earned her a place in the UN as a spokesperson for gender equality and women's empowerment. She was also included in the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. She was invited to global conferences, TEDx talks, and university panels as a pilot.

• Captain Anny Divya was the youngest woman to fly a Boeing 777 at 30.

• Though not a commercial pilot, Kalpana Chawla was a symbol of excellence in aerospace as the first woman of Indian origin in space.

Women are leading aviation companies worldwide, designing aircraft, and directing airport operations.

Singh is a captain at Indigo Airlines. She trained at the IGRUA and passed a license exam just after four months of training. She loves paragliding and skiing.

She is not only a pilot but also a writer. On social media, she answers people’s queries about aviation. She had to go on maternity leave. This sets a barrier to their career because there is a need for an eight-session-long training before operating an aircraft.

Kaur became a pilot against all the stereotypes of her time. Raised in a tight-knit family protocol around looks and appearances, she rebelled against her desires, and now, she’s the happiest. When she was 16 years old, she was suggested to become an IAF pilot rather than a commercial pilot because, at that time, few women flew combat, just transport. Her parents were supportive, and she became a commercial pilot.

She is an Airbus A320 captain. Born into a middle-class Haryanvi family, she dreamt of becoming a pilot from childhood. Her relatives thought she would get married before she even completed her education, but her parents supported her. She is a person determined by passion and inspires many girls to dream.

Meghna is a captain of a Boeing 777. Hearing their sky stories, she started fantasizing about the possibilities of the sky. She got her commercial pilot license in two years, whereas people generally take three years. Within 14 months of training, she graduated with a license right after high school.

When women such as Zoya Agarwal take center stage, they do more than fly planes. They challenge discernments, change narratives, and inspire future generations.

Representation leads to standardization. When girls see women commanding aircraft, they no longer see aviation as male-dominated. Schools and institutions must prioritize programs endorsing aviation as a career option for women.

Despite development, the path forward needs sustained effort. Here's what needs to be done:

Education and Awareness

Introduce flying as a career option in schools. Host sessions with pilots and engineers to make the occupation tangible for students, particularly girls.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Flying schools are expensive, and many candidates drop out because they lack funds. Providing scholarships for women can level the playing field.

Mentorship Programs

Senior female aviators should mentor younger aspirants. Structured mentorship programs can bridge the confidence gap and offer guidance.

Workplace Equality

Airlines and aviation firms should invest in policies supporting women across all careers, from equal pay to motherhood benefits and flexible schedules.

Celebrate Role Models

Success stories like Zoya’s should be extensively shared in textbooks and public forums. Role models inspire, and their stories can be influential catalysts for change.

Women in aviation embody ambition, resilience, and triumph. It is a narrative of dreams, and every takeoff is evidence of breaking barriers. With her commanding presence, Captain Zoya Agarwal signifies the spirit of modern Indian womanhood: confident, accomplished, and chasing the horizon. Her journey reminds us that the sky is only the beginning. Women will not just be part of the crew; they will be in command.

Flapone Aviation is a flight training school where both men and women can enroll to make their dreams of becoming pilots a reality. We provide a women-friendly environment so aspiring women pilots can feel at ease and put their best foot forward. So, if you are considering becoming a pilot, don’t think too much before joining us.