Women for Diversity: Empowering Women at Satair and Beyond
In the historically male-dominated aviation industry, Satair is embracing change through its Women for Diversity (WfD) Network. This initiative is designed to empower women, foster inclusion, and build a strong community where everyone can thrive. This effort reflects Satair’s broader commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, aligning with its core values of respect and teamwork.
Founded by six women - Cindy da Silva, Maika Vaquerizo Sanchez, Anna Fürstenwerth, Shereen Freudensprung, Lotte Kathrine Enevoldsen and Esther Pang - the network has the full backing of Satair’s CEO, Richard Stoddart. Together, they are driving meaningful change within Satair and aim to inspire others in the aviation industry and beyond.
Understanding the Purpose of Women for Diversity
The WfD Network was created out of a shared vision among six passionate women at Satair who wanted to create an environment where women can thrive both professionally and personally. Cindy da Silva, WfD co-founder and Head of OEM Product Management at Satair, explained the motivation behind the initiative:
“Having more women in aviation and leadership enhances team spirit and inclusiveness while driving positive business outcomes. Diversity brings much-needed perspectives in a rapidly changing world.”
However, WfD is more than just a networking group. It offers mentorship, professional development opportunities, and a supportive community. Maika Vaquerizo Sanchez, WfD co-founder and Managing Director of Satair UK, further emphasized the goal:
“We wanted to create a space where women can grow, build meaningful connections, and make Satair a better workplace for everyone.”
Challenges Faced by Women in Aviation
Globally, gender disparity in aviation remains significant, particularly in technical and leadership roles. According to a 2020 study, women make up only 5% of pilots and 3-4% of aircraft maintenance engineers. Women have slightly better representation among air traffic controllers, where they make up 20-31%, depending on the region.
In contrast, customer service and cabin crew roles are predominantly female, with representation ranging from 51-79%. Office-based roles in aviation show more balance, with women holding 40% of these positions. However, their presence declines in technical fields and senior management roles. As Maika pointed out, the gap often starts early:
“Representation is still low in aviation because few women pursue engineering studies. We need to inspire young girls to consider these career paths.”
Satair’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Satair’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) is embedded in its values and actions. By creating a culture of respect and collaboration, Satair ensures that every employee feels valued. The WfD Network exemplifies this commitment by creating opportunities where women can grow and lead.
Lotte Kathrine Enevoldsen, WfD co-founder and Head of Vendor Parts at Satair, highlighted the importance of leadership support:
“Having our CEO actively involved sends a powerful message. It’s not just about words - it’s about action. That makes all the difference.”
The Satair Women for Diversity Network also aligns with broader industry efforts, such as IATA’s 25by2025 initiative, which aimed to increase female representation in senior positions and technical roles to at least 25% by 2025. Through efforts like these, Satair and the aviation industry as a whole are building a more inclusive future.
The Positive Impact of Women for Diversity
Since its inception, the WfD Network has achieved several milestones, including organising “speedy networking” events that connect employees with senior leaders across various Airbus divisions. These sessions provide invaluable opportunities for professional growth and mentorship.
The network also hosts masterclasses and themed events aimed at boosting confidence and addressing areas for improvement. According to Shereen Freudensprung, WfD co-founder and Repair Service Manager at Satair, these sessions have been transformative:
“Our members find these masterclasses incredibly helpful for both personal and professional development.”
Through its initiatives, the WfD Network has created a ripple effect, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment among women at Satair. As Cindy explained:
“The network makes it easier for women to reach out across departments, explore new roles, and develop leadership skills.”
A Vision for the Future
The aviation industry is evolving, and increased diversity will play a critical role in its future success. Anna Fürstenwerth, WfD co-founder and Head of Controlling at Satair, articulated this vision:
“To navigate the complexities of modern business, we need diverse perspectives, cultural understanding, and varied skills.”
While challenges remain, Satair and the WfD Network are paving the way for meaningful progress. By celebrating achievements, fostering connections, and inspiring future generations, they are ensuring that aviation becomes an industry where everyone can succeed.