In a noteworthy celebration of India’s 78th Independence Day, IndiGo has proudly inducted 77 new female pilots into its fleet. This includes 72 pilots joining the Airbus fleet and 5 the ATR fleet, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s commitment to gender diversity and inclusivity. Among these accomplished pilots is Captain Neetu Gupta, whose inspiring journey from cabin crew to captain exemplifies determination and dedication.

Captain Gupta’s career began in the cabin crew, where she formed meaningful relationships with pilots, sparking her aspiration to become a pilot herself. Despite facing significant obstacles, including initial opposition from her traditionally-minded parents who preferred a simpler path for her, Gupta persevered. Balancing her responsibilities as a cabin crew with intense study sessions, she utilized every available moment, including during layovers and on flight decks, to prepare for her exams. Her relentless dedication paid off, turning her dream into reality.

In a recent interview with NDTV, Gupta shared her insights on achieving goals through hard work and resilience. She encouraged aspiring individuals to pursue their ambitions without constraints, stating, “Don’t stop yourself. Don’t limit yourself. Nobody can stop you from achieving your goals if you work hard and have ambition. The sky is not the limit.”

Captain Ashim Mitra, Senior Vice President of IndiGo, emphasized the airline’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity. He stated, “We acknowledge and celebrate the invaluable contributions made by women at IndiGo, not just for their technical skills but as inspirational leaders within our organization.” Mitra also underscored that diversity and inclusion are central to IndiGo’s core values and crucial for innovation and growth.

According to Aviation A2Z, IndiGo’s female pilot workforce now exceeds 800, representing 14% of the total, significantly surpassing the global average of 5-8%. This achievement highlights IndiGo’s leadership in promoting gender equality in aviation.