“Beyond Women’s Day, it’s going to be a year-round mission”
By Sanath Nanayakkare
On International Women’s Day, SriLankan Airlines etched a bold statement in the skies, operating a historic all-female crew flight from Colombo to Bangkok.
The journey, staffed entirely by women—from pilots to cabin crew and ground operations—symbolized the airline’s unwavering commitment to gender diversity and its vision to inspire a new generation of women in aviation.
In an exclusive interview with The Island, Deepal Perera, Manager, Corporate Communications at SriLankan Airlines, shared insights into the initiative’s significance, challenges, and the airline’s broader mission to redefine gender roles in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
He told us that it was not only a celebration of women’s talent and progress, it was also a powerful story of inclusivity in the aviation sector and how SriLankan is playing its part to contribute to it.
Cabin crew
“The flight was more than a symbolic gesture; it was a testament to the airline’s growing roster of female professionals. We have remarkable women excelling as pilots, engineers, and leaders across all departments,” Perera emphasized. “This flight celebrates their achievements and sends a clear message; aviation is a space where Sri Lankan women belong and thrive.”
When asked how the event aligns with the airline’s values, Perera highlighted consistency. “This isn’t our first all-female crew flight, and it won’t be the last. We’re committed to action, not just words, in promoting inclusivity.”
To amplify the initiative’s impact, SriLankan Airlines invited national media to document the journey, betting on storytelling to spark change. “We want young women to see these role models and think, ‘I can do this too,’” Perera explained. The airline anticipates organic engagement through social media, where stories of the crew’s professionalism and passion may resonate globally.
While competitors have hosted similar flights, Perera believes SriLankan’s sustained efforts set it apart. “Consistency is key. We’re here for the long haul—breaking barriers year after year.”
For frequent flyers, the initiative reinforces SriLankan’s reputation as a progressive brand. “Travellers today value inclusivity,” Perera noted. “This isn’t just about loyalty; it’s about aligning with a vision that empowers people.” He expressed confidence that the airline’s actions would strengthen its identity as a forward-thinking organization and would help normalize female leadership in aviation.
Deepal Perera, Manager, Corporate Communications
When asked whether organizing this flight required meticulous coordination, Perera admitted that aligning schedules and ensuring seamless execution was complex.
“Yet the experience underscored the value of early planning and transparent communication—lessons that will shape our future projects,” he added.
“As the aircraft touched down in Bangkok, it carried more than passengers—it carried a promise. For SriLankan Airlines, the flight was a microcosm of its broader mission; to prove that diversity fuels excellence,” he said.
Concluding his thoughts, Perera said,” We say to young women consider aviation, dare to dream. The cockpit, the operations control centre, the engineering bay—these are your spaces too.”
In a world where gender equality remains a journey, SriLankan Airlines is determined to keep climbing. And as this Women’s Day flight showed, the journey is evolving in its truest sense.
from The Island https://ift.tt/UXI5N9n
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