In a landmark stride for gender representation in aviation, IndiGo has inducted its first-ever all-women batch of 33 maintenance technicians. The announcement, made on National Engineering Day, underscores the airline’s commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I), and signals a significant shift in a traditionally male-dominated technical field.
Shifting the Paradigm
Aircraft maintenance is one of the most critical yet under-represented domains when it comes to female participation. By bringing on board 33 women technicians, IndiGo is not only boosting its engineering ranks but also sending a powerful message: skilled women belong in the hangar, the workshop, and the control room. According to the announcement, these technicians will join the airline’s engineering team that oversees over 400 aircraft, and helps maintain a Technical Dispatch Reliability of 99.89% in FY25.
For students and aspiring professionals – especially young women – this development signals a wealth of opportunity. It also underlines the fact that aviation engineering is not just for one gender or one profile of engineer: with the right training, certification and mindset, women are stepping into the cockpit of technical leadership.
A Message to Future Female Engineers
If you are a prospective student considering a career in aviation engineering, this move by IndiGo is a beacon. It shows that:
- Employers are ready to invest in female talent: IndiGo’s move is indicative of broader industry openness for women in AME (Aircraft Maintenance Engineering) roles.
- Technical roles are within reach: With training and certification, you are not limited to support, administration or cabin roles – you can walk into the hangar and take part in aircraft safety and systems.
- Representation fuels change: Seeing women in these roles helps dissipate stereotypes, ensuring you aren’t alone or the exception.
This is where your choice of college matters hugely. To transform possibility into reality, you need a programme that is accredited, industry-aligned, hands-on – and welcoming to women.
Wingsss College of Aviation Technology (WCAT, Pune)
This is where your ambition aligns with a strong foundation. WCAT offers tailored programmes that position you for this very kind of career.
- WCAT is DGCA-approved for the Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) programme and affiliated to the University of Mumbai for the BSc in Aeronautics.
- Several undergraduate courses are offered: AME (Mechanical or Avionics stream), BSc in Aeronautics (Mechanical/Avionics), and dual programmes combining AME + BSc.
- Importantly for you, the college states: “leading the field … DGCA approved … 20+ years of legacy of excellence … state-of-the-art infrastructure, modern labs, highly trained industry expert faculty, live training on our own aircrafts.”
- What does that mean for your future as a female engineer? It means access to:
- Modern labs and real aircraft for hands-on experience (vital in AME training)
- Faculty who understands the field and prepares students for licensure and workplace reality
- A campus culture positioned for aviation careers, not simply theoretical learning
Steps You Should Take
- Meet the eligibility criteria: For AME at WCAT you need 10 + 2 with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics & English, minimum 45% (40% for reserved category) or equivalent.
- Explore your stream: Mechanical vs Avionics – each has its own focus. Since women are now being welcomed into maintenance roles across streams, choose the one that aligns with your interest (mechanical systems vs avionics/electrical).
- Leverage industry momentum: The IndiGo hiring decision creates a ripple effect. When you join an AME-programme now, you’re entering at a time when companies are actively seeking and welcoming diverse talent.
- Seek mentorship and community: Being among the first or few in a cohort can feel challenging – but institutions like WCAT with placement support and industry links help.
- Visualise leadership, not just entry: Maintenance engineers today are not just “fixers” – they manage quality systems, compliance, reliability and may progress into leadership roles or engineering management.
Your Time to Soar
The aviation sector is transforming – and women are not just cabin crew or ground-staff; they are the engineers keeping aircraft in the sky. IndiGo’s induction of its first all-women maintenance batch is a landmark, and for you as a female student with ambition, it is both affirmation and invitation.
By choosing Wingsss College of Aviation Technology, you align yourself with a programme that is technically rigorous, industry-relevant and fundamentally supportive of your career goals. You won’t simply train with a certificate; you’ll train toward a licence, real aircraft experience, and a place in one of the world’s most dynamic industries.
If engineering, precision, responsibility and the thrill of aviation excite you – now is your moment. The runway is clear, the engines are revving, and the door is open. Will you step in?
We invite you to explore WCAT’s AME and BSc programmes, ask questions, envision your place as a woman in aircraft maintenance – and take the first step toward a career that flies high on purpose, representation and expertise.