8th March 2023 – The Women in Aviation and Aerospace Charter (WIAAC) today announced the Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Sir Stephen Hiller, as its new Patron to reinforce the importance of male allies in the drive towards equality in the industry. Sir Stephen takes over from Dame Deirdre Hutton who was the founding Patron of the Charter when it launched in 2018.
The announcement follows the Charter’s “What’s your 30?” self-reporting pledge that encourages organisations across the industry to outline individual goals that focus on the number 30 to boost gender representation by 2030.
Hillier’s appointment is revealed as the Charter celebrates International Women’s Day with an event at the Royal Academy of Engineering, sponsored by BAE Systems. Speakers include Sir Stephen Hillier, Chair Civil Aviation Authority; Jacqueline Sutton, Non-Executive Director of Farnborough International; Maria Kokkinou, People Director Rolls-Royce Civil Aerospace and Julian Cracknell, Chief Technology and Information Officer, BAE Systems.
Sumati Sharma, Co-founder of the WIAAC and Partner at Oliver Wyman, said: “I am delighted to welcome Sir Stephen as our new Charter Patron. As we move to challenge gender bias, it is crucial that we have holistic support for everyone across the aviation industry.
“Sir Stephen’s appointment embraces these efforts, and we are confident that together we can encourage an industry-wide effort towards better balance in diversity, particularly at the most senior levels in aviation and aerospace. We would like to thank everyone in the Charter for their continued support towards encouraging positive change.”
Sir Stephen Hillier, Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority, said: “It is an honour to be a part of an alliance that holds such high importance across the aviation industry. As Patron, I pledge to encourage those around me to embrace equality, fuel inclusivity and challenge gender biases from the cockpit to the boardroom.”
WIAAC also welcomes two new signatories on International Women’s Day: DEA Aviation and Incora. This brings the total number of signatories to the charter to 255.
Jo Allen, CFO of DEA Aviation, said: “DEA’s signing of the Women in Aviation & Aerospace Charter on IWD 2023 celebrates the progress DEA has made in the last year in increasing opportunities for women in aviation and, as proud signatories of the Charter, reflects the shared commitments to work to together to build a more balanced and fair industry for women.”
Dawn Landry, Chief Administration Officer – Incora, added: “Incora is delighted to sign the Women in Aviation & Aerospace Charter and as part of our Diversity & Inclusion Strategy, actively committing to driving gender balance across our global business – while looking at ways to support the Aerospace & Defense sectors to attract and retain talented women.”
International Women’s Day is a global event celebrated annually on the 8th of March. It brings to light current issues of gender equality, reproductive rights, violence and abuse against women.
About WIAAC
At Farnborough Air show 2018, the Women in Aviation and Aerospace Charter was launched, with companies and organisations within the UK’s aviation and aerospace sectors making a commitment to work together to build a more balanced and fair industry for women. With 255 signatories, the charter reflects the aspiration to see gender balance at all levels across the industry for both women and men in the sector.
Women are under-represented in aviation and aerospace, with only 5 per cent of commercial pilots in the UK being women, as well as a well-recognised shortage of women studying STEM subjects and taking up roles in engineering. The UK aviation and aerospace sectors are world-leading, and to sustain this industry we need to ensure that we have access to a diverse range of innovators and leaders of the future.
In working towards achieving greater gender balance, the Women in Aviation and Aerospace Charter also aims to support and showcase female role models to demonstrate that opportunities are available, regardless of gender.
Note to editor
Sir Stephen Hillier became Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority in August 2020. He has an extensive career in the Royal Air Force, which culminated in him serving as Chief of Air Staff from 2016 to 2019. He also has vast experience in flying as both a pilot and instructor on a variety of aircrafts.
Sir Hillier has experience in leading large, complex portfolios and programmes, as well as change and risk management within regulated environments.
WIAAC Media Contacts
Daisy Omissi
SVP External Communications – Rolls-Royce Civil Aerospace
+44 (0)7500 990583
Thyme Francis
Pembroke and Rye
+44 (0)7570662874