Last month, Plyable exhibited at Farnborough International Airshow. Alongside the opportunity to meet and network with industry leaders, Plyable also had the chance to take to the stage. Sales Director, Elaine Winchester, joined a very engaging panel on diversity and inclusion within the aerospace sector and what can be done to address the imbalance.
The aerospace industry has long been characterized by a lack of diversity, particularly in terms of gender representation. Despite progress in many sectors, women remain underrepresented in aerospace roles. With 35% female representation at Plyable, we know we are bucking the trend, but we recognize that there is still much work to be done.
To truly drive innovation in aerospace, it is essential to address the gender disparity that exists within the industry. Diversity is a key driver of innovation, and without it, we risk limiting the potential for new ideas and perspectives that are critical to advancing the sector. At Plyable, we believe that the solution begins with education, encouraging female students to explore careers in STEM from a young age and making these fields more accessible and appealing. It is also crucial for companies to actively address disparities in their hiring practices, ensuring that women are not underrepresented in their teams. At Plyable, we understand that supporting our employees in balancing their professional and personal lives is vital to fostering a culture of inclusion. This allows our team members to thrive both at work and at home, recognizing that this balance enhances productivity and overall job satisfaction.
Leveraging Innovation to Promote Inclusion
Innovation in aerospace technology and infrastructure offers a unique opportunity to promote greater diversity, equity, and inclusion within the industry. Businesses with diverse and inclusive teams consistently outperform their counterparts, and it is increasingly clear that fostering diversity is essential for achieving long-term business success.
The work being done by Aerospace Xelerated (AX) is a great example of how innovation can drive inclusion. AX has been instrumental in ensuring that diversity remains a priority within the aerospace sector. By providing female-led start-ups with the opportunity to pitch their ideas, AX is helping to ensure that women have a well-deserved seat at the table and that their voices are heard.
The importance of diversity and inclusion is beginning to be recognized by the aerospace industry, but there is still work to be done. The conversation is changing, and new voices are being brought to the table. By leveraging the power of innovation, we can create a more inclusive industry that benefits everyone.
Plyable is committed to leading by example – driving innovation through diversity and inclusion. By supporting education, addressing disparities in hiring, and promoting a culture that values work-life balance, we believe that we can help to create a more equitable and innovative industry. The challenges are significant, but so too are the opportunities. We are looking to build a future where diversity drives the next wave of innovation in aerospace.
Missed Farnborough International Airshow? Here’s our roundup.