ADDIS ABABA, March 8 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopian Airlines on Friday operated an all-women-functioned flight from the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa to London, the United Kingdom, to mark International Women's Day.
The Ethiopian flag carrier said in a statement that the all-women-functioned flight envisaged a dual aim of acknowledging women aviation experts while inspiring future generations of women in the aviation sector.
In connection with International Women's Day, which fell on Friday, the Ethiopian flag carrier held a special ceremony honoring women's contribution to the aviation industry, featuring the all-women-crew flight.
The event, which was held under the theme "Empowering Women: Connecting Africa," brought together senior Ethiopian government officials, diplomats based in Addis Ababa, as well as women staff of Ethiopian Airlines.
Mesfin Tasew, chief executive officer (CEO) of the Ethiopian Airlines Group, acknowledged the "invaluable role" of women in driving the success of Ethiopian Airlines.
"As staunch advocates of gender equality, we are honored to have women professionals excelling in every facet of our operations, showcasing remarkable performance and dedication in their line of work," an Ethiopian Airlines statement quoted Tasew as saying. "Today, we shine a spotlight on these trailblazers who are not only shaping the legacy of Ethiopian Airlines but also inspiring future generations of women in aviation."
The captain of the all-women-functioned flight, Kalkidan Girma, underscored the crucial need to promote gender equality within the aviation industry.
"This all-women-functioned flight initiative not only empowers women but also sends a powerful message about gender equality. We want to inspire future generations of female aviators, and we continue to lead the way in promoting gender equality within the aviation industry," she said.
As part of its annual International Women's Day celebrations, Ethiopian Airlines has been operating all-women-functioned flights to different parts of the world since 2015, to showcase the professionalism and capability of women in the aviation sector. ■
