Media Article: Charting Change

Charting Change: Measuring Gender Diversity in the Aviation and Aerospace industries

written by Aviation/Aerospace Australia | January 4, 2026

Article can be found on Australian Aviation.

View article: https://australianaviation.com.au/2026/01/charting-change-measuring-gender-diversity-in-the-aviation-and-aerospace-industries/ 

Gender diversity in Australia’s aviation industry has been a longstanding challenge, but how much has changed in recent years? A new research project led by Swinburne University, in collaboration with Aviation/Aerospace Australia (A/AA), is seeking to better understand the current state of inclusion across the sector.

The study focuses on how visible and inclusive the aviation industry has become since 2020, examining the experiences of women working across a range of roles. Central to the research is an exploration of leadership and its influence on workplace culture, as well as the impact of initiatives aimed at increasing the visibility of women in aviation.

The project builds on a similar survey conducted in 2022 that examined barriers to entry and progression within the industry. By revisiting key themes from that earlier research, the current study aims to identify areas of progress, ongoing challenges, and emerging trends in gender diversity.

Industry professionals are invited to participate in a 15-minute survey designed to capture insights into barriers to inclusion, the effectiveness of awareness campaigns, and perceptions of leadership commitment to diversity. The findings will inform recommendations intended to support improved gender representation and contribute to the long-term sustainability of the aviation sector.

Participation is open to individuals who identify as female, are over the age of 18, and have had some working experience since 2020. Participation is voluntary, and all responses will be kept confidential and used solely for research purposes. The study has received approval from the Swinburne University Human Research Ethics Committee and is funded by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts, alongside Aviation/Aerospace Australia.

The survey can be accessed at: https://swinuw.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eypEofBlaA7UJ6K