IndiGo onboards its first-ever all-women batch of maintenance engineers; to boost DE&I in technical, leadership roles in aviation sector

IndiGo has inducted its first-ever all-women batch of 33 women maintenance technicians, the airlines shared on the occasion of National Engineering Day on Sunday.

The aircraft maintenance engineers are part of the airline’s engineering department ensuring the highest standards of safety, quality and reliability, with a Technical Dispatch Reliability score of 99.89% in FY25, across the company’s fleet of over 400 aircraft.

The airline shared that the latest batch of women aircraft maintenance engineers (AMEs) undertook a 7-day induction programme, with mentoring sessions by airline’s senior leaders and other women engineers.

This marks a significant step towards Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), airlines increasingly focus on increasing the strength of their women employees in technical and leadership roles.

Women employees account for 44.8% of the total workforce of IndiGo, including a significant number of female pilots. As of 2024, IndiGo had the highest number of female pilots of 791, accounting for 15.28% of the total pilots employed. However, the highest percentages of women pilots came from Alliance Air and Spice Jet, making up about 17-16% of the total pilots of the airlines, according to DGCA data shared by Murlidhar Mohol, Union minister of State in Ministry of Civil Aviation in November in Lok Sabha. India’s average of over 15% of pilots being female is comparatively better than the global average. According to data from International Society of Women Airline Pilots, only 5% of all pilots are women.

Air India, as of 2024, employed 541 women pilots, while Air India Express employed 230 female pilots of their total employed pilots.

There is no detailed classification of number of female AMEs, each of these airlines engage with.

Last year, according to the ministry of civil aviation annual report for 2024-25, 379 initial AME licenses were issued last year, with an extension of category approved in 211 licences. The number of candidates appearing for AME exams were around 35,657.

“IndiGo has a simple philosophy: offer fares that are affordable, flights that are on time, and provide a courteous and hassle-free travel experience across its unparalleled network,” the company said in a statement.

The airline currently operates over 2200 daily flights, including both domestic and international cities. Close to 60 aircraft were added to its fleet of 400 in 2024.

Recently, the aviation company also signed a partnership agreement with Blue Angels Air, delivering A320 pilot training at the latter’s Air Training Centre in Navi Mumbai from February next year.

Aside from the women technician announcement, the aviation company is preparing for its ‘Grand Runaway Fest’ starting September 15 that will go until September 21, with domestic flights starting from ₹1299, international flights from ₹4599.

The company also is extending discounts up to 50% on select add-on services that it offers including food and beverages, and seat preference options.