"Girls in Aviation Day"
Girls encouraged to take up STEM courses and explore career opportunities in aviation & aerospace sectors
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 13 2018: Women in Aviation International, India Chapter and Lockheed Martin Corporation in association Airport Authority of India (AAI) celebrated Girls in Aviation Day at Imphal Airport today.

With the vision to encourage girls to take up STEM subjects and explore career opportunities in related industries, the initiative is aimed at showcasing opportunities in the aviation and aerospace sectors.

Lockheed Martin, a global security and aerospace company is investing in developing the next generation of future scientists and engineers in India.

This initiative also aligns with the Government of India's Skills India initiative.

As part of the program, Women in Aviation International (India Chapter) invited 50 students from various schools for a tour of Imphal Airport.

The visiting students were given an opportunity to explore, learn, and discover the various aspects of aviation and aerospace such as air traffic controller, airline dispatch, pilot, aviation maintenance technician, aeronautical engineer or aviation management.

In addition, the girl students were given a tour of the ATC Tower, Airside, Terminal Building and AOCC and all their queries and questions were answered by the officials working in the respective departments.

Speaking on the occasion, Radha Bhatia, president, Women in Aviation International (India Chapter) stated that this is the third year that the WAI India Chapter is celebrating 'Girls in Aviation Day' and was delighted to host the same in Imphal.

This day is celebrated for the young girls to encourage them to choose aviation as a viable career opportunity.

World over India has the maximum number of female pilots but there are many other avenues that are still unknown.

With this celebration, girls from the Manipur were able to explore exciting careers available to them as engineers, air traffic controllers and dozens of other jobs within the aviation, she added "We will continue our endeavour to introduce young girls to role models and educate them in a fun and supportive atmosphere.

We are very fortunate to be able to partner with Lockheed Martin India and Airport Authority of India for this event.

Their efforts in leading youth into STEM careers is truly commendable" added Bhatia.

Speaking about Lockheed Martin's commitment to this initiative, Phil Shaw, Chief Executive Officer, Lockheed Martin India Private Limited said that the next generation of engineers, technologists, aviators and scientists will be crucial to Lockheed Martin's future and said, "We want to do everything we can to encourage people to consider these careers and that's why we are delighted to once again partner with WAI (India Chapter) and AAI to encourage girls to take an interest in STEM subjects from an early age".

Later, the students were given a small presentation about the industry and its intricacies and an impromptu quiz competition who also won small tokens as prizes.

Students also received an opportunity to interact with Governor Dr Najma Heptulla, chief guest of the event and SK Panigrahi, Airport Director, Imphal Airport.

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