Ethiopian Airlines Celebrates International Women’s Day 2025 in Grand Style with Exclusive All-Women Flight Operations, Reinforcing Its Commitment to Gender Inclusivity

Published on March 8, 2025

Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest carrier and one of the fastest-growing airline brands globally, marked International Women’s Day 2025 in a spectacular fashion. The airline hosted a series of celebratory events at the prestigious Skylight Hotel, where government dignitaries, esteemed guests, and senior airline executives gathered to honor the occasion.

A highlight of the celebration was the airline’s special initiative—operating multiple flights entirely managed by women. From flight operations to technical services, check-in, and catering, every aspect of these flights was handled by women aviation professionals. This initiative not only underscored Ethiopian Airlines’ commitment to gender inclusivity but also showcased the growing role of women in the industry.

The all-women flights departed from Addis Ababa, connecting passengers to Bahir Dar, Athens, Delhi, Dubai, Windhoek, and São Paulo. This initiative exemplifies Ethiopian Airlines’ dedication to creating a more inclusive aviation environment and empowering women to take on leadership roles across its operations.

On the program, Ethiopian Airlines CEO, Mesfin Tasew, stated, “We are thrilled to  celebrate March 8, as we do every year at Ethiopian Airlines. As an employer of choice,  we are deeply committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within the aviation  industry and the broader community. In today’s modern aviation landscape, women play  an indispensable role across all sectors, significantly contributing to the industry’s  dynamic growth. Today, we honor the remarkable achievements of women in aviation and beyond, while also inspiring future generations to pursue their dreams without  limitations.” 

Elevating Women’s Role in Aviation

Currently, women constitute nearly 40% of Ethiopian Airlines’ workforce, contributing significantly across various departments, including cockpit crew, cabin crew, aircraft maintenance, commercial operations, and managerial roles. Their presence highlights the airline’s progressive stance on fostering gender diversity in a traditionally male-dominated sector.

The celebration of International Women’s Day also served as an opportunity to reaffirm the airline’s ongoing efforts to dismantle stereotypes and encourage more women to pursue careers in aviation. Ethiopian Airlines has long championed female leadership and remains at the forefront of initiatives promoting equal opportunities in the industry.

Commitment to Gender Equality in Aviation

Ethiopian Airlines’ all-women-operated flight program has become a signature initiative, reinforcing the global call for gender equality and the recognition of women’s invaluable contributions in aviation. By providing platforms for women to excel in technical and leadership roles, the airline is actively fostering a culture of inclusion and excellence.

This year’s celebration not only paid tribute to the remarkable women breaking barriers but also highlighted the need for continuous support and empowerment of female professionals across all sectors. Ethiopian Airlines continues to inspire the next generation of women in aviation, reinforcing its position as a leader in gender equality within the industry.

As Ethiopian Airlines continues to expand its global footprint, its commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and professional empowerment remains steadfast, setting an example for airlines worldwide to follow.