Women pilot licences up by a third, reveals CAA

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has revealed that the number of licences issued to female pilots has increased.

The regulator has seen an increase in commercial and private pilots licences issued to women over the past few years, but says there is still a ‘mountain to climb’ in getting more women into the flight deck and closing the gap between males and females.

The CAA announced the findings at a Women in Aviation and Aerospace Charter (WiAAC) event held at the Farnborough International Airshow.

Most licences issued to female pilots were for aeroplanes – both commercial and general aviation – with 270 licences issued in 2023, compared to 202 in 2019, marking a 34 per cent increase in aeroplane licences issued to women.

There has also been a 43 per cent increase in commercial licences issued to women, compared to 31 per cent for men. For private licences issued, there has been a 11 per cent increase for women, whereas there has been a one per cent decrease for men.

Sharon Nicholson, Chairwoman of the British Women Pilots’ Association and UK Airprox Board Inspector at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said, “As a pilot, it’s incredibly rewarding to see the rise in female pilots over the years, the change in the industry makes it more accessible for young women.

“I actively encourage young females to consider flying as a career choice and it’s empowering to see so many unlocking the incredible possibilities of the aviation industry.”

The CAA’s full licensing data can be accessed here.