Spotlight: A Growing Presence on a Global Stage

The numbers are moving slowly, but undeniably. Globally, women represent roughly 5% to 6% of commercial pilots, but those figures are beginning to shift as new generations enter the flight deck. In Europe and beyond, the push for representation is no longer just about numbers; it is about expertise and leadership.

At Icelandair, the impact is already visible with a female pilot ratio of 14%, one of the highest in the world. In the instructor and examiner ranks, the shift is even more critical. More women are stepping into CFI (Certified Flight Instructor) roles every year, and retention is improving as organizations like ours create robust networks of support.

"I didn't see anyone who looked like me when I started. That's exactly why I decided to become an instructor, so the next girl does."

The road ahead is long, but the community is growing. From the flight decks and training centers around the world, we are no longer flying in isolation. We are building a global standard for psychological safety and leadership.

And you’re part of it.