group
What campus are you from?
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Rachel Groce, Junior Oona Jokinen,Graduate Student Alma Olesen, Graduate Student Kristina Tynon, Graduate Student Robbie McGrayne, Graduate Student
Lead Presenter's Name
Rachel Groce
Faculty Mentor Name
Sohel M. Imroz
Abstract
The purpose of this poster is to critically examine the effectiveness of airline efforts toward gender equity by comparing a low-cost carrier with one of the U.S. “Big Four” legacy airlines. Through an analysis of policies, initiatives, and organizational resources, this research identifies how each airline fosters gender equity, highlights gaps in current practices, and proposes policy recommendations to address areas where progress remains limited. This topic is particularly important given the aviation industry’s historical underrepresentation of women and the broader need for workplace inclusivity. Although the number of women entering aviation has increased gradually, a significant gender imbalance persists in leadership, technical, and flight-related roles. Ensuring equal opportunity, representation, and treatment for all employees requires airlines to implement and uphold comprehensive gender equity policies actively. By encouraging diversity in decision-making, management, and operational positions, airlines can contribute to dismantling long-standing structural barriers and create a more inclusive industry culture. The study analyzes publicly available data, diversity reports, and company policies to evaluate the effectiveness of current initiatives. Comparing a low-cost carrier with a major legacy airline allows for a clearer understanding of how company type, resources, and organizational size influence equity outcomes. This comparison highlights not only the successes achieved but also the limitations and inconsistencies that persist in the pursuit of gender equity within aviation. These findings will benefit multiple audiences. For airline management, the analysis offers external insight into the effectiveness of gender-related initiatives and identifies areas for improvement. The study also contributes to broader discussions of corporate responsibility by examining how airline structure impacts inclusivity efforts. For the general audience, it raises awareness of progress, existing gaps, and the continuing need for gender equity in the aviation industry.
Did this research project receive funding support from the Office of Undergraduate Research.
No
A Comparative Study of Gender Equity Policies Between a U.S. Legacy Airline and a Low-Cost Carrier
The purpose of this poster is to critically examine the effectiveness of airline efforts toward gender equity by comparing a low-cost carrier with one of the U.S. “Big Four” legacy airlines. Through an analysis of policies, initiatives, and organizational resources, this research identifies how each airline fosters gender equity, highlights gaps in current practices, and proposes policy recommendations to address areas where progress remains limited. This topic is particularly important given the aviation industry’s historical underrepresentation of women and the broader need for workplace inclusivity. Although the number of women entering aviation has increased gradually, a significant gender imbalance persists in leadership, technical, and flight-related roles. Ensuring equal opportunity, representation, and treatment for all employees requires airlines to implement and uphold comprehensive gender equity policies actively. By encouraging diversity in decision-making, management, and operational positions, airlines can contribute to dismantling long-standing structural barriers and create a more inclusive industry culture. The study analyzes publicly available data, diversity reports, and company policies to evaluate the effectiveness of current initiatives. Comparing a low-cost carrier with a major legacy airline allows for a clearer understanding of how company type, resources, and organizational size influence equity outcomes. This comparison highlights not only the successes achieved but also the limitations and inconsistencies that persist in the pursuit of gender equity within aviation. These findings will benefit multiple audiences. For airline management, the analysis offers external insight into the effectiveness of gender-related initiatives and identifies areas for improvement. The study also contributes to broader discussions of corporate responsibility by examining how airline structure impacts inclusivity efforts. For the general audience, it raises awareness of progress, existing gaps, and the continuing need for gender equity in the aviation industry.