ICAO Global Aviation Gender Summit 2026: Building a More Inclusive Aviation Workforce

29 July 2026

The ICAO Global Aviation Gender Summit 2026 brought together governments, aviation leaders, policymakers and industry experts in Luanda, Angola, to address the persistent underrepresentation of women across the aviation sector.

Representing JAA Training Organisation, CEO Paula V. de Almeida contributed to discussions on how access to skills, training and professional opportunities can help aviation attract, develop and retain a more diverse workforce.

The Summit also explored leadership and career development, alongside the impact of technological transformation on the future of aviation professionals.The opening discussions reinforced the need to translate commitments on gender equality into practical action.

Speakers highlighted that meaningful progress requires leadership, measurable policies and long-term cooperation across governments, international organisations, education providers and the aviation industry.

Building Stronger Pathways into Aviation

CEO Almeida participated as a speaker in the plenary panel “Rewriting the Career Flight Path: Building the Future Pipeline Through Access to Skills, Training and Opportunities.”

Source: JAA TO

The session examined the barriers that continue to affect women’s entry into and progression within aviation careers. The discussion covered access to education, licensing, professional training, mentorship, sponsorship and career development, alongside the growing importance of emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), digitalisation and green technologies.

During the panel, CEO Almeida encouraged the industry to look beyond the traditional question of how to attract more women to aviation.

Sometimes, changing the future starts by changing the question. Instead of asking only how to attract more women to aviation, perhaps we should also ask how aviation can become better at finding, reaching, and choosing more women.

Paula V. de Almeida, CEO (JAA TO)

Her contribution highlighted that responsibility for improving representation cannot rest solely with potential candidates. Creating a more inclusive aviation workforce also requires the sector to examine how opportunities are communicated, how talent is identified, and how access to professional pathways can be widened.

This means looking at the full talent pipeline, from early education and awareness of aviation careers through to professional training, employment, career progression and leadership.

From Access to Long-Term Career Development

Access, however, is only the first step. Once people enter the aviation sector, organisations must also consider how professionals are supported throughout increasingly complex and technology-driven careers.

During her contribution, CEO Almeida underlined that workforce development cannot focus exclusively on technical knowledge or on learning how to use new technologies.

Once people enter our industry, our responsibility continues. Not only to prepare them to work with technology, but also to prepare them to continue working with people.

Paula V. de Almeida, CEO (JAA TO)

This distinction is becoming increasingly important as AI, automation and digital tools become more integrated into aviation operations, training and decision-making.

Technology can support professionals in analysing information, improving efficiency and managing increasingly complex systems. At the same time, the sector remains fundamentally dependent on human judgement, communication, cooperation and accountability.

Preparing aviation professionals for the future therefore requires a balanced approach: developing technical and regulatory competence while continuing to strengthen the human capabilities that enable professionals to work effectively with others.

Source: JAA TO

The Human Competencies Behind a Future-Ready Workforce

The Summit also highlighted a broader challenge facing aviation: how to prepare professionals for a sector increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, automation and digitalisation.

Alongside technical and regulatory expertise, discussions emphasised the importance of competencies such as critical thinking, ethical judgement, collaboration, empathy and trust. These capabilities remain essential in an industry where professionals work across disciplines, make complex decisions and operate in high-responsibility environments. The discussion reinforced that future workforce development cannot focus on technical skills alone.

As aviation evolves, training must also support the human capabilities that enable professionals to adapt, cooperate, and make responsible decisions.

Creating a More Inclusive Aviation Sector

The ICAO Global Aviation Gender Summit 2026 reinforced that gender equality is closely linked to wider workforce development.

Improving representation requires access to education, training, and career opportunities, as well as long-term investment in professional development.

The Summit provided an important platform for turning ambition into practical action and strengthening cooperation across the aviation sector to create more inclusive and sustainable career pathways.

About JAA TO ✈️

The JAA Training Organisation (JAA TO) is a Dutch non-profit, self-financing organisation and the Associated Body of the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC). JAA TO has a history of 50+ years training the aviation industry and national authorities on regulation in the air transport sector. JAA TO is the only Platinum Training Centre of Excellence (TCE) in Europe recognised by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). JAA TO is an IATA Dangerous Goods CBTA Centre of Excellence, an ACI World Accredited Training Partner, recognized Dutch National Aviation Security Training Centre and a leading member of the EASA Virtual Academy (EVA).

JAA TO schedules more than 300 training courses annually on topics such as safety, security, drones and management. Within the aviation community, JAA TO offers a platform to learn and exchange views on latest regulatory developments. In addition, JAA TO provides advisory services, knowledge solutions, training consultancy and assistance with capacity building for (aviation) training departments.

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Dorothy Uslu

Corporate Communications Representative at JAA Training Organisation

JAA TO press contact: Karl Schreiber
Marketing & Communications Manager
Email: kschreiber@jaato.com
Tel: +31 (0) 23 56 79 721