PROFLIGHT ZAMBIA’S BOLD ASCENT FOR WOMEN IN AVIATION

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LUSAKA, ZAMBIA – Proflight Zambia joins women in aviation globally as they prepare for the 36th Annual Women in Aviation Conference scheduled for 27-29 March 2025, in Denver, Colorado. The airline will be represented at this important event by two members of the Proflight Operations Control Centre: Sylvia Chanda and Piyanna Chani.
Part of the mission of Women in Aviation International – the host organisation, is ‘to encourage, empower, and educate all those whose interests, lives and work involve aviation and aerospace’ with one of the key goals being to ‘inspire women and girls to pursue careers in aviation and aerospace’.
This year’s International Women’s Day on 8th March also marked the 119th anniversary of the first women’s pilot’s licence issued in 1910; only 7 years after the first flight and a mere 1 year after the first pilot’s licence was issued to a man. It was almost another 20 years later in 1927, when the first aircraft engineer’s licence was issued to a woman.
Historically, aviation roles for women were limited to the cabin crew and office professionals. However, Proflight Zambia’s progressive vision is helping to change that narrative with women taking centre stage in every facet of the airline’s operations, from the cockpit to the engineering department.
On a continent where only 5.21% of licensed pilots and a mere 2.79% of aircraft engineers are female, Proflight is rewriting the rules. Today, women make up 38% of its 280-strong workforce, including three pilots and twelve engineers. This strong commitment to local talent, with 96% of employees being Zambian nationals, reflects the airline’s dedication to inclusivity and excellence.
“Women are represented at every level of our organisation, from upper management to flight crew and engineers,” said Proflight Zambia Director Flight Operations Captain Josias Walubita.
This sentiment is reflected in the airline’s celebrated all-female crew flights, including a recent milestone – a CRJ200 flight to Cape Town – which highlighted both operational excellence and the company’s commitment to gender inclusivity.
The airline’s approach is not merely about numbers. Strategic partnerships with organisations that champion female participation further provide essential educational opportunities, mentorship, and career guidance. These initiatives ensure that the next generation of female aviation professionals is well-equipped to soar.
Capt. Walubita notes: “We are seeing more skilled women come up in aviation engineering and pilot jobs than ever before as they are encouraged to step into technical roles signalling a seismic shift in career trajectories.”
Outside of the technical disciplines, the airline’s Ground Operations and Commercial Departments are predominantly women and 30% of the organisation’s Executive Directors are Women in Aviation.
As Proflight Zambia continues to expand its horizons, its efforts to create a level playing field for all are clear. With long-term goals aimed at balanced gender representation and a commitment to merit-based recruitment, the airline is not only propelling its growth but also inspiring the entire region.