Boeing's Sukanya Program Takes Flight in India

The Boeing Company has launched an initiative to increase women's participation in India's aviation industry. The Boeing Sukanya Program, launched by the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India in 2024, aims to create access for girls and women across India to enter and become an equitable part of Indian aviation.

The program has awarded its first tranche of scholarships to six women cadet pilots from the Air India Flight Training Academy in Maharashtra. These recipients were selected through a structured selection process that included eligibility screening, application evaluations, and final interviews.

According to Salil Gupte, president of Boeing India and South Asia, 'India will need approximately 141,000 new aviation professionals over the next 20 years including pilots, technicians, and cabin crew, as air travel continues to grow.' He believes that this demand presents both an opportunity and a responsibility for the company.

The Boeing Sukanya Program is implemented in partnership with Learning Links Foundation (LLF), a not-for-profit partner of Boeing Global Engagement. The program adopts a holistic approach, from setting up STEM labs in government schools to supporting flight training and scholarships to advance women's careers in aviation.