In a bid to promote sustainability and empower young women in aviation, London City Airport recently concluded its Women in Aviation Programme. At the finale event held at the Sunborn London Yacht Hotel, students from Woodbridge High School, Redbridge, emerged victorious with their innovative proposals to enhance the airport’s sustainability through alternative fuels and terminal design. Plashet School in Newham secured the runner-up position.
Involving up to 300 young women from 10 schools across east London, the ‘Women in Aviation’ programme provided a platform for students to engage in real-world challenges and interact with industry professionals. Notably, role models from various sectors of the aviation industry shared insights into their careers and served as judges for the competition.
The judging panel included: Honor Puciato, an Aviation Ambassador from the Department for Transport’s Generation Aviation programme; Dr Holly Edwards, Senior Policy Advisor, Department for Transport; Claire O’Toole, Analytics & Insights Manager, British Airways CityFlyer; Lucy Craven, Head of Corporate Affairs, London City Airport; Maya Denin, Jet Centre Manager, London City Airport; Marie-Louise Phillipe, VP Sales & Marketing for Europe & Central Asia, Embraer and Saima Ashraf, Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Community Leadership & Engagement, Barking & Dagenham.
“It was wonderful to see how engaged the students were throughout the programme and in finding solutions to tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing our sector,” commented Anne Doyere, Aviation Director at London City Airport.
“There is still so much work to be done to encourage more young women to pursue careers in the aviation sector and we hope our Women in Aviation programme continues to play a role in supporting this mission.”
Aviation Minister, Anthony Browne MP said: “As the aviation sector continues to grow and adapt, initiatives like the Women in Aviation Programme are vital for shining a light on this rewarding sector.
“Not only is it great to see one of our Aviation Ambassadors getting involved and encouraging young women to join the industry, but it’s also the kind of support that will help build a diverse and talented workforce fit for the future.”
The ‘Women in Aviation’ programme, led by Inspire, aims to spotlight the vital role of STEM subjects in addressing aviation challenges and enticing more young women, particularly from BAME communities, into the sector. As part of London City Airport’s broader initiative to achieve gender balance, the programme underscores the appeal of aviation careers for local youth.
Situated in the heart of London’s Royal Docks, the airport serves as a significant employer in the London Borough of Newham, with a workforce predominantly residing within a five-mile radius. This strategic focus on nurturing diversity and inclusion reflects the airport’s commitment to empowering women and enriching the aviation industry.