Female Innovators Revamp Kazakhstan's Aviation Sector
Taking Flight: Women Shattering Stereotypes in Kazakhstan's Skies
Embracing change, Kazakhstan is witnessing an upsurge of chicks in the aviation industry, challenging traditional male-dominated professions. This nation is trailblazing gender equality in aviation through high-level initiatives. Kazakhstan's legislature enacted a law guaranteeing equal rights and opportunities for men and women, introduced a national gender equality strategy, and mandated employers to boost the female representation in managerial roles.
For aspiring female aviators, Ibrayeva advocates focusing on personal success rather than competition. Picture credit: Academy of Civil Aviation's Instagram page
Kazakhstan's aviation workforce boasts over 9,500 women, including 34 pilots, 2,005 flight attendants, 104 air traffic controllers, and almost 400 engineering and technical professionals.
The Academy of Civil Aviation in Almaty, providing education for flight and ground personnel, is witnessing a rise in female students. The proportion of female applicants skyrocketed from 19% in 2021 to 25% in 2023, with those pursuing pilot training surging from 10% to 15% during the same period. The first female pilot student matriculated in 2005, and women have since forged a stronger presence in the field.
Women are also mobilizing in aviation leadership. In 2024, Tompiyeva, a seasoned civil aviation professional with 26 years of experience, became chair of the Civil Aviation Committee. Four out of 13 leadership positions at the Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan are held by women. Zholdybayeva serves as the general director of Aktau Airport, the country's third-largest airport, while Zhurtybayeva is a board member and director of development at the Civil Aviation Academy.
Sky-high Aspirations
Kazakhstan's female aviation trailblazers offered their insights on gender equality in the industry to The Astana Times.
Diana Ibrayeva, a Boeing 737 captain for SCAT Airlines, had her sights set on flying from a young age.
Diana Ibrayeva, a Boeing 737 captain for SCAT Airlines. Photo credit: Academy of Civil Aviation's Instagram page
"Presenters from the Aviation center in Astana visited my school and inspired students to seek pilot training. However, it wasn't as straightforward as just enrolling-you had to pass a medical exam, complete a year of theoretical training, and then commence practical lessons. Many of my classmates initially expressed interest, but in the end, I was the only one who pushed through," she disclosed.
She got her first taste of flying at the Aviation center before joining the Academy of Civil Aviation.
"When I entered the academy, I was the lone female in my group. Now, the number of women students significantly increased. When I debuted at my airline, there were only two female pilots-now there are seven," she emphasized. "The role of women in aviation is evolving, and I applaud initiatives such as the recent two-day workshop on gender equality and women's empowerment in aviation, which shed light on career prospects in the industry."
Offering guidance to aspiring young female aviators, Ibrayeva stated: "I have experienced both memorable and challenging days, and I've learned from each experience. My advice is to focus on your progress and never compare yourself to others. Your journey is unique."
Shattering Barriers
In 2023, Kazakhstan witnessed its first all-female flight crew operating four flights in a single day on routes between Astana, Petropavlovsk, and Omsk.
Nessipbayeva, the co-pilot on the trailblazing flight, recalled the experience.
Azhar Nessipbayeva (left) with Yekaterina Sverchkova, the first pilot and commander of Qazaq Air's all-female crew. Photo credit: QazAviation's Instagram page
"It was a day to remember. We received an avalanche of support from colleagues, loved ones, and the public. However, alongside the encouragement, there were also derogatory comments-people saying women don't belong in a cockpit, that they can't fly, or that passengers would feel unsafe," she revealed.
In aviation, there are two primary roles in the cockpit: the pilot flying, who controls the aircraft, and the pilot monitoring, who keeps tabs on the flight. These roles are swapped to ensure safety and prevent fatigue. The aircraft commander, however, always retains the ultimate say on operational decisions.
Nessipbayeva believes additional workshops are necessary to normalize women's roles in aviation.
"There should be no surprise that a woman can pilot a plane, reach space, or perform any other feat," she underlined.
For her, support from fellow female aviators has been vital.
"We are a tight-knit community, and even though there are not many of us, we always try to support each other," she stated.
Rescuing Lives from the Skies
Shopatayeva, the co-pilot of the MI-8 helicopter with Kazaviaspas airline [operating as a rescue unit under the Ministry of Emergency Situations], has racked up 800 flight hours since commencing her career in 2008.
Shopatayeva co-pilots the MI-8 helicopter with Kazaviaspas airline. Photo credit: Academy of Civil Aviation's Instagram page
"I graduated from the Civil Aviation Academy as a pilot of an An-2 aircraft, but after receiving a call from Kazaviaspas, I became a co-pilot of the MI-8 helicopter," she divulged.
Shopatayeva's duties revolve around search and rescue missions, flying into remote and daunting locations to save lives.
"In these situations, technical skills are crucial, but the capacity to think swiftly, evaluate risks, and make quick decisions-all while airborne- is equally important," she explained.
She underscored resilience and mental fortitude as essential qualities for women aspiring to become helicopter pilots.
"In our unit, regardless of gender, men and women are equals. If you excel in your profession and do your job well, your place is where it belongs," said Shopatayeva.
- In the realm of business and careers, the finance sector is an area where women are actively pushing boundaries, emulating the leadership demonstrated by trailblazers like Tompiyeva in aviation.
- As the transportation industry continues to evolve, women are not only excelling in traditionally male-dominated roles like aviation but also making significant strides in STEM fields such as engineering and technical professions in aviation.
- With the trend of women breaking barriers in various industries, it is essential for business and educational institutions to foster an environment that encourages and supports aspiring women in finance, aviation, and other professions, promoting equal opportunities and helping more women rise to managerial and leadership positions.
