In a bid to “inspire young African female students to believe in their dreams,” Ethiopian Airlines this week operated its first all-female crew flight from Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, to Bangkok, Thailand.
Every role in the historic flight was undertaken by a woman – from the pilots, cabin crew, ground staff, and air traffic controllers.
Ethiopian Airlines CEO Tewolde Gebre Mariam said, “Women are [Africa’s] great untapped resources. We are very proud of their achievements and contributions, and it is our sincere belief that this will continue with an enhanced magnitude and passion.”
Pilot, Captain Amsale Gualu said, “This flight shows us that if women get equal opportunities and work hard I’m sure they can achieve whatever they want in all fields, including the aviation industry.”
According to the United Nations, Ethiopia ranks 173 out of 184 countries in the Gender Development Index – a number Ethiopian Airlines obviously wants to rectify.
