Women in Aviation International, India Chapter and Lockheed Martin Corporation in association Airport Authority of India (AAI) recently celebrated Girls in Aviation Day at Imphal Airport.
With the vision to encourage girls to take up STEM subjects and explore career opportunities in related industries, the initiative is aimed at showcasing opportunities in the aviation and aerospace sectors. Lockheed Martin is investing in developing the next generation of future scientists and engineers in India. This initiative also aligns with the Government of India’s Skills India initiative.
As part of the programme, Women in Aviation International (India Chapter) invited 50 students from various schools for a tour of Imphal Airport. Visiting students were given an opportunity to explore, learn, and discover the various aspects of aviation and aerospace such as air traffic controller, airline dispatch, pilot, aviation maintenance technician, aeronautical engineer or aviation management. In addition, the girl students were given a tour of the ATC Tower, Airside, Terminal Building and AOCC and all their queries were answered by the officials working in the respective departments.
Speaking on the occasion, Radha Bhatia, president, Women in Aviation International (India Chapter) shared,” This is the third year that the WAI India Chapter is cleberating ‘Girls in Aviation Day’ and we are delighted to host the same at Imphal. This day is celebrated for the young girls to encourage them to choose aviation as a viable career oppurtunity. Around the world, the maximum number of female pilots are present but there are many other avenues that are still unknown. With this celebration our aim is to see girls from the state of Manipur explore exciting careers available to them as engineers, air traffic controllers and dozens of other jobs within the aviation.”
“We will continue our endeavour to introduce young girls to be role models and educate them in a fun and supportive atmosphere. We are very fortunate to be able to partner with Lockheed Martin India and Airport Authority of India for this event. Their efforts in leading youth into STEM careers is truly commendable.” added Bhatia.
Speaking about Lockheed Martin’s commitment to this initiative, Phil Shaw, chief executive officer, Lockheed Martin India said, “The next generation of engineers, technologists, aviators and scientists will be crucial to Lockheed Martin’s future and we want to do everything we can to encourage people to consider these careers. That’s why we’re delighted to once again partner with WAI (India Chapter) and AAI to encourage girls to take an interest in STEM subjects from an early age. Our support for Girls in Aviation is part of a much larger Lockheed Martin commitment to STEM and innovation initiatives in India.”
Post the airport tour, the students were given a small presentation about the industry and its intricacies. Also, an impromptu quiz competition added to the delight of the students who also won small tokens as prizes. Students also received an opportunity to interact with Najma Heptulla, governor of Manipur, chief guest for the event and S K Panigrahi, airport director, Imphal Airport.