Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu on Monday (December 2) emphasised the need for more women pilots in the helicopter industry, citing their critical role in connecting unserved areas where constructing airports or operating commercial aircraft is challenging.
Naidu pointed out that while 15% of pilots in India are women, compared to a global average of just 5%, efforts are ongoing to further empower women in aviation.
“I would encourage more people, especially women, to become not only commercial aviation pilots but also helicopter pilots… More women pilots should come into the helicopter industry,” he said at an event in the national capital.
‘India is world’s fastest-growing civil aviation markets’
Naidu highlighted that India is one of the world’s fastest-growing civil aviation markets, and the government is actively working on initiatives to support the expansion of the helicopter industry.
The civil aviation minister stressed that helicopters play a vital role in enhancing air connectivity, especially in remote regions where traditional airports and commercial planes are not viable options.
The minister made these comments at a conference organised by the Indian section of The Ninety-Nines, an international organization of women pilots.