- The number of commercial pilot licences held by women in the UK rose by 5.3 per cent between 2024 and 2025, according to new figures from the Civil Aviation Authority.
- Upward momentum continued into 2026, with female commercial licence holders increasing to 1,218 by October, representing a further 5.4 per cent rise since the start of the year.
- General aviation licences held by women for recreational flying also experienced growth, increasing by 9.3 per cent to reach 1,718.
- Despite these gains, female pilots still make up just 6.22 per cent of the commercial sector, compared to nearly 18,000 male licence holders.
- Industry figures welcomed the positive trend but stressed that significant work remains to address the substantial gender disparity within aviation.
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