Delta and Airbus showcase opportunities across aviation & aerospace

Delta and Airbus showcase opportunities across aviation & aerospace

The 11th annual WING Flight gave 160 young women from Atlanta-area schools a unique opportunity to see how one of an airline's most valuable assets, its aircraft, comes to life.

• Created in 2015 by Delta's Flight Operations in partnership with Women in Aviation International, WING (Women Inspiring Next Generation) Flight introduces young women to aviation and aerospace careers.
• Crewed entirely by women, the annual flight allows students ages 11-18 to see themselves in the vast array of aerospace careers, from mechanics and pilots to aviation engineers and more.

In celebration of Girls in Aviation Day, 160 young women from eight Atlanta-area schools and organizations flew from Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport to the Airbus U.S. Manufacturing Facility in Mobile, Ala. for the 11^th annual WING Flight.

This year, students journeyed to Mobile for a rare view into how an airline secures one of its most important assets: its fleet.

Rotating through four interactive stops, students got a 360-degree view into every stage of fleet preparation. They toured the A320 assembly line, played aviation-themed games at the Delivery Center, operated drones and flight simulators at Flight Works Alabama and explored Bishop College's Advanced Manufacturing Program and facilities.

"When we launched WING Flight 11 years ago, our goal was simple: help young women see that they can achieve anything, if they set their minds to it and work hard. By connecting students with pilots, engineers, mechanics and aviation leaders, we're helping build the next generation of talent that will shape the future," said Cheri Rohlfing, a 25-year Delta veteran and A320 captain who co-founded the flight.

Before heading home, students heard from a panel of Delta and Airbus leaders at Bishop College, including: Jennie Ho, V.P. In-Flight Service Operations; Heather Tardiff, V.P. of Crew Resources; Barbara Quiroga-Lozano, Managing Director - Assistant Treasurer, and Nicole Bell, Director & HR of Employee Engagement and Caroline Jecko-Parkes, V.P. of HR for Airbus. These leaders shared their own career journeys and answered questions about navigating the industry.

Building the future of aviation

By one industry estimate, the U.S. will need hundreds of thousands of new aviation professionals over the next decade, and Delta is committed to widening the funnel and decreasing barriers to find the best, most-qualified talent. This includes partnering with K-12 schools and organizations that share a mission to connect young people from underrepresented communities with opportunity.

"Talent is universal. Access and exposure are not always. Introducing the next generation to aviation doesn't just shape their future - it strengthens ours as an airline," said Keyra Lynn Johnson, V.P. and Chief Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Social Impact Officer. "By reaching bright talent with diverse background and experiences, we're building a talent pipeline that helps us better reflect and serve our customers."

WING Flight is one of several Delta programs, including Dream Flight, ACE Academy and the National Flight Academy that introduce students to aviation careers and expand the talent pipeline.

Working together to expand horizons

Airbus and Delta have long shared common goals for the future of travel. Earlier this year, Delta announced the addition of 31 next-generation Airbus widebody aircraft to its fleet, an investment that will fuel international growth and accelerate fleet renewal in the years to come.

Mobile is one of five cities worldwide where Airbus commercial aircraft are assembled. The Mobile Airbus U.S. Manufacturing Facility has more than 2,000 employees who produce A320 and A220 Family aircraft for customers in the U.S. and Latin America.

"To meet the growing global demand for aerospace talent, our industry must actively broaden access and create early touchpoints for young women," said Caroline Jecko-Parkes, Head of Human Resources for Airbus in North America. "Partnering with Delta to give these students direct access to our facility and leaders is an important investment in the talent pipeline that will help drive the future of aerospace innovation."

• WING Flight