Gender & Diversity in Aviation: 2023 Report

In our 8th annual report, we take a hard look at gender and diversity issues across the Aviation industry and highlight the areas that require continued focus, effort and attention.

We would like to thank everyone who contributed their insights to the survey this year.

The industry continues to undergo significant challenges and new opportunities and headwinds continue to emerge. We aim to monitor how these changes impact diversity, equity and inclusion within the workforce in this sector. It is our hope that sharing the results can help to effect change in trends and attitudes.

Key Findings

Our 2023 report highlights that diversity in the Irish Aviation industry appears to be stagnant.

Almost two-thirds (64%) of those surveyed said that there had been no improvement in diversity at C-suite level in their organisations over the past 12 months, rising from 46% last year. Similarly, 63% also reported no improvement at board level, up from 47% in 2022.

Just 9% of boards in the aviation industry meet the generally accepted diversity threshold of 30%. This figure has almost halved since 2022, dropping from 16%.

Christine O’Donovan, Chair and Aviation Partner, commented: “These statistics are a wake-up call. The aviation industry would benefit greatly by recommitting to diversity and inclusion, not just as a moral imperative but as a strategic business priority.

The decline at board level is surprising and a bit troubling. It could have significant repercussions for Ireland’s aviation industry, where diversity of candidates and their experiences at board level are essential for good corporate governance.”

About our Gender & Diversity in Aviation Survey

We began this survey in 2015, and 2023 marks the 8th year of our focus on gender and diversity issues within the Aviation industry.

The survey was carried out during the summer of 2023 with more than 100 industry professionals.