International collaboration to help develop diverse, skilled leaders in aviation

A Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Royal Aeronautical Society and the International Aviation Women Association will help retain and up-skill talent within the aviation industry.

The agreement was announced at the International Aviation Women Association (IAWA) Reception hosted by Airbus Group at Farnborough Air Show on Wednesday 16 July 2014. The MoU will promote closer collaboration between the organizations and provide women across the globe additional opportunities for professional development through membership, networking and events.

Upon announcing the agreement, Jenny Body, Immediate Past President of the RAeS said, "I am very pleased to see the MoU being signed between the RAeS and IAWA as a further demonstration of the work the Society is doing to improve diversity and inclusion in the aviation sector."

"The opportunity for IAWA to create an affiliation with the RAeS is a significant development towards increased diversity throughout the industry on a global basis," noted Abby Bried, President of IAWA. She went on to say that IAWA is honored to enter into this collaboration which supports IAWA's mission of providing a global forum through which members connect.

"As IAWA represents the interests of women across all sectors of aviation we have a strong affinity toward the RAeS. We hope this thrilling opportunity for knowledge exchange will strengthen our associations long into the future."

Judith Milne, Chair of the RAeS Women in Aviation and Aerospace Committee added, "We believe that by increasing collaboration across the industry we have an opportunity to make a step change in the aviation and aerospace industry's approach to diversity and look forward to finding new ways to work together to increase the talent pool in aviation."

The signing of the agreement was followed the next day with the RAeS Amy Johnson Debate when the question was posed to executives at Airbus Group, Rolls-Royce and Thales of "what would Amy think of diversity in the aviation industry?" The panelists agreed she would be fairly disappointed however spirited discussions suggest the industry is taking measures to address these issues and bring about change.

Notes for Editors

1. The Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) is the world's only professional body dedicated to the entire aerospace community. The Society promotes the highest professional standards in all aerospace disciplines; provides specialist information; acts as a central forum for the exchange of ideas; and plays a leading role in influencing opinion on aerospace matters. - See more at: http://aerosociety.com/News/Society-News/2331/International-collaboration-to-help-develop-diverse-skilled-leaders-in-aviation#gallery[m]/0/


Submitted: 07/17/14
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