Airbus India launches women returnee programme – Fly Again

NEW DELHI, MARCH 13: Airbus India has launched an ambitious programme for women professionals who want to return to corporate careers after a sabbatical or maternity leave.

‘Fly Again’ was launched on March 8, the International Women’s Day, as part of Airbus India’s efforts to ensure that women can make a smooth return to professional life through structured mentoring, up-skilling and onboarding.

Airbus India will organise mentorship programmes and fund returnship and training workshops to bridge the skill gap of selected candidates. The company will organise job fairs to increase awareness about the returnee programme.

“Airbus believes in creating equal opportunities for all. Progress has been made in this direction but we will do more. Today, we are hiring more women in leadership roles and will continue until the exception becomes the norm,” said Anand Stanley, President and Managing Director, Airbus India and South Asia.

‘Fly Again’ will support Airbus India in meeting its requirement for talent as well as increase diversity and inclusion at the workplace, contributing to long-term business success. Selected returnees will join the organisation at grades and levels that are commensurate with their talent and expertise.

“These will not be returnee internships but full-fledged employment opportunities that we will offer to women returners,” said Suraj Chettri, Head of Human Resources at Airbus India & South Asia. “There is a pool of highly skilled women who want to return to work after a break. Through ‘Fly Again’ we are working towards hiring and retaining diverse talent.”

At Airbus diversity is at the core of its identity. More than 130 nationalities are represented and more than 20 languages spoken within the company. The employee resource group – Balance for Business – includes more than 4,000 staff members worldwide driving the company culture forward. It manages topics such as work-life balance, career development, integration of disabled employees, furthering gender balance and ensuring the company is commitment to its LGBTI charter.