At Brussels Airlines, two of the three board members are women (Dorothea von Boxberg as CEO and Nina Öwerdieck as CFO). In total, 9 in 20 top managers (45%) are women.
In the heart of the aviation sector, where traditionally men are in charge, Brussels Airlines has achieved a remarkable break in the trend. With 52% female employees and strong representation at both management and board level, the airline shows that gender equality is more than a buzzword; it is a central element of their corporate culture and success.
Brussels Airlines, the national airline of Belgium, emphasizes the crucial role women play in their organization on International Women's Day. With a workforce in which women are slightly in the majority, the airline not only stands out from many other players in the aviation industry, where the average is around 41%, but also sets the standard for gender diversity.
The aviation sector, historically a male stronghold, is slowly but surely seeing a shift towards a more balanced gender distribution. Brussels Airlines is leading this change, with an admirable 45% of top management positions held by women, and an even more impressive 66% female representation at board level. The fact that two of the three board members are women, with Dorothea von Boxberg as CEO and Nina Öwerdieck as CFO, speaks volumes about the company's commitment to gender equality.
These figures are the result of a conscious effort to create an inclusive work environment where diversity is valued and everyone has equal opportunities. The story of Lauretta Verbist, Captain Airbus A330 at Brussels Airlines, and Pascale Slootmans, Cabin Technician, highlights how the company not only attracts women, but also supports and motivates them to stay within the company throughout their career.
However, despite the progress, a look at the distribution of women across departments shows that challenges remain. While in some areas such as airport staff and cabin crew, women are strongly represented, at 76% and 72% respectively, technical and engineering departments, like the cockpit, remain areas where women are under-represented. Yet Brussels Airlines does better than the sector average, with twice as many female pilots.
“Many people still see a job in the hangar as 'a man's job'. I often hear women say that they would like such a job, but that they do not dare to take the step. That is why it is important that we show that women also do this job and encourage other women to come and work here too.”
Brussels Airlines' commitment to gender equality is not limited to recruiting female talent; it also includes initiatives to raise awareness about stereotypes and unconscious biases. NTWRKX, one of the four working groups on diversity and inclusion, plays a key role in this. Through workshops and lectures, such as those by expert Tamara Makoni on Women's Day, NTWRKX strives to pave the way for women in all levels of the company.
The successful mix of skills, perspectives and experiences within Brussels Airlines proves that diverse teams are not only more efficient and innovative, but also contribute to a working environment where everyone feels at home. It is this approach that enables the airline to realize its mission “We want to be the most reliable airline, making everyone feel at home”.
By setting an example in gender equality, Brussels Airlines aims to not only change the norm within aviation, but also to be a source of inspiration for companies worldwide. The airline proves that striving for equality is not only a moral obligation, but can also be a strategic asset in building a successful, inclusive organization.
