Singapore Airlines reports 25% growth in female pilot numbers since 2020

Singapore Airlines has increased the number of female pilots at its flagship carrier by at least 25 per cent since 2020, achieving one of its key gender diversity milestones as the airline continues efforts to improve representation in the flight deck.

The progress was disclosed in the Singapore Airlines Group's latest sustainability report, which also showed continued workforce growth during the financial year ended 31 March. The report, however, presented a mixed picture across the group's wider diversity agenda, with two of four gender-related targets achieved and two falling short.

Female pilot numbers continue to rise

The airline reported meeting its five-year objective of increasing female pilot numbers by at least 25 per cent compared with its 2020 baseline.

Across the Singapore Airlines Group, which includes Singapore Airlines and Scoot, there are now 102 female pilots within a total pilot workforce of 3,676.

While women remain a minority within the profession, the figures indicate gradual progress in increasing female participation in one of aviation's traditionally male-dominated occupations.

Diversity scorecard delivers mixed outcomes

The sustainability report shows varied performance across the group's gender diversity commitments.

Key outcomes include:

• Singapore Airlines achieved its target of increasing female pilot numbers by at least 25 per cent from 2020 levels.
• Scoot met its goal of increasing the number of women in senior leadership positions, defined as directors and above, by at least 25 per cent compared with its 2021 baseline.
• Scoot did not achieve its target of increasing female pilot numbers by at least 25 per cent from 2021 levels.
• Singapore Airlines narrowly missed its objective of women holding at least 25 per cent of vice president-level and higher leadership positions by the end of the 2025 financial year.

According to the airline, staff attrition and internal workforce movements contributed to the leadership target falling short.

Recruitment remains skills based

According to The Straits Times, Scoot said recruitment decisions continue to be based on a comprehensive assessment of candidates' capabilities, operational requirements and suitability for individual roles rather than fixed hiring quotas.

The airline added that it remains committed to encouraging more women to pursue aviation careers through internal programmes and external outreach initiatives despite missing its female pilot target.

Singapore Airlines also reiterated its commitment to strengthening gender diversity across leadership positions over the coming years.

Workforce expands across the group

The latest sustainability report also highlighted continued employee growth across the airline group.

As of 31 March, the Singapore Airlines Group employed 21,667 people, representing a 3.1 per cent increase compared with the previous year.

Women now account for slightly more than half of the group's overall workforce.

Among operational roles:

• The group employs 11,332 cabin crew.
• 7,471 of those cabin crew members are women.
• The pilot workforce totals 3,676, including 102 female pilots.

The figures underline the different pace of gender representation across various operational functions, with cabin crew remaining significantly more gender-balanced than cockpit roles.