Air India Express Makes History with All-Women Haj Flight
Air India Express (AIXL), India’s first international budget airline, made history on Thursday by successfully operating India’s first all-women Haj flight. This remarkable feat was made possible by an all-women crew who took charge of every critical operation during the flight, complementing the Haj Committee of India’s initiative to have exclusively female passengers on board.
Flight number IX 3025, took off from Kozhikode to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia. The flight carried a total of 145 women pilgrims who were embarking on their sacred Haj pilgrimage. Leading the crew were Capt. Kanika Mehra and First Officer Garima Passi, who skillfully piloted the aircraft throughout the flight. Accompanying them were a team of talented and dedicated cabin crew members, including Bijitha M.B, Sreelakshmi, Sushma Sharma, and Subhangi Biswas, who ensured the passengers’ comfort and safety throughout the journey.
However, the involvement of women professionals from Air India Express extended beyond the aircraft itself. Behind the scenes, a group of accomplished women took charge of critical ground tasks to support the seamless operation of the flight. Ms Sarita Salunkhe efficiently monitored the flight’s progress from Air India Express’s Operation Control Centre, while Ms Mrudula Kapadia kept a close eye on the flight’s trajectory. Ms Leena Sharma and Ms Nikita Jawanjal expertly handled Flight Dispatch, ensuring all necessary preparations were in order. Ms Nisha Ramachandran, the on-duty service engineer responsible for aircraft maintenance, diligently carried out her role. Lastly, Ms Ranju R verified and signed the load sheet, fulfilling her responsibilities as the loadmaster.
The Haj Committee’s pioneering initiative, which aims to empower women by providing them exclusive opportunities, resonates deeply with Air India Express’s core values of equality and diversity. The airline has consistently advocated for gender equality in the workplace and boasts a workforce consisting of 50% women, setting an example for the entire aviation industry.
