Results of largest industry survey on leadership and culture
MEDIA RELEASE: New Research Highlights Progress and Persistent Challenges for Women in Aviation, Aerospace and Space
6 August 2026
New national research has found that while Australia's aviation, aerospace and space sectors have made progress towards more inclusive workplaces, significant cultural and structural barriers continue to affect women's participation, progression and retention.
The findings come from two industry-wide studies delivered by Aviation/Aerospace Australia (A/AA) under the Australian Government's Women in Aviation Industry Initiative (WAII), providing one of the most comprehensive evidence bases to date on workplace culture and women's experiences across the sector.
The research examined workplace culture, inclusion, leadership, career progression and retention, drawing on responses from employees across aviation, aerospace, space, defence, education, consultancy and regulatory organisations.
A key finding from both surveys was that workplace culture and leadership have a greater influence on women's long-term participation than the existence of policies alone.
While most respondents acknowledged that organisations have established policies and reporting mechanisms to address discrimination, harassment and inappropriate behaviour, many reported that implementation remains inconsistent. More than half of respondents (53%) identified ineffective implementation of existing policies and procedures as a challenge, while only 31% identified the absence of policies as a significant issue.
The Workplace Culture Survey found that two-thirds of respondents identified organisational priorities and workplace culture as major barriers to improving outcomes for women. Workplace traditions and conventions were also highlighted, with 66% of respondents identifying male-dominated workplace norms as a continuing challenge. Concerns around leadership commitment, fear of negative career consequences and limited opportunities for advancement were also commonly reported.
The Barriers to the Workplace Survey reinforced these findings, identifying inclusive leadership as the strongest factor associated with women's retention and progression. Women who experienced more inclusive leadership reported stronger organisational attachment, greater intention to remain in the industry and more positive perceptions of progress towards gender inclusion.
Despite this, respondents reported only moderate levels of inclusive leadership and gender inclusion, while perceived barriers to participation and progression remained high. Retention and organisational attachment scores were comparatively low, highlighting ongoing risks to retaining experienced women within the workforce.
Aviation/Aerospace Australia Chief Executive Officer Anntonette Dailey said the findings demonstrate that future efforts must focus on translating policy into everyday workplace practice.
"The challenge facing the aviation, aerospace and space sectors is not the absence of policy, but translating policy into visible, trusted and consistently enforced workplace practice," Ms Dailey said.
"While women remain committed to aviation careers, significant barriers persist and retention remains a challenge. The research found that inclusive leadership is strongly associated with women remaining and progressing in the sector, highlighting workplace culture as a critical workforce capability issue."
The research also found that awareness of diversity and visibility initiatives remains relatively low across the sector. While such initiatives contribute positively to perceptions of progress, the evidence suggests they are most effective when supported by mentoring, sponsorship, leadership accountability, transparent career pathways and safe reporting mechanisms.
Encouragingly, respondents reported strong personal commitment to respectful workplace behaviours and a willingness to support future cultural change initiatives. Many organisations were also recognised for establishing foundational policies and frameworks that can be built upon.
The studies conclude that future industry efforts should prioritise leadership accountability, trusted reporting systems, transparent career progression pathways, greater visibility of women in leadership roles, and ongoing measurement of workplace culture outcomes.
The research forms part of Aviation/Aerospace Australia's broader commitment to supporting a more diverse, inclusive and sustainable workforce, ensuring the sector can attract, retain and advance the talent needed to meet future workforce demands.
The findings will help inform future industry programs, policy development and initiatives designed to improve opportunities for women across Australia's aviation, aerospace and space sectors.
About Aviation/Aerospace Australia
Aviation/Aerospace Australia is the national body representing the aviation, aerospace, and space sectors, working to strengthen Australia’s future workforce, innovation capability, and global competitiveness through industry-led programs and partnerships.
More detailed information on the survey outcomes can be found on the program website.