For decades, air cargo has been a male-dominated industry, but times are changing. More women are stepping into leadership and operational roles, reshaping the future of logistics and proving that gender diversity is not just an aspiration but a necessity for innovation and growth. At the forefront of this transformation is Etihad Cargo, which has made deliberate efforts to foster an inclusive workplace where women are empowered to thrive.

“Etihad Cargo recognises that diversity is a key driver of success, and we are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where women feel empowered to thrive. We have made deliberate efforts to increase female representation across all levels of the organisation, ensuring that women have equal opportunities in operational and leadership roles,” says Jacqueline Han Lin Ni, Regional General Manager, Northeastern Asia, Etihad Cargo.

From mentorship to leadership: Supporting career growth
Mentorship plays a crucial role in career growth, and Jacqueline strongly believes in its ability to elevate women in the workplace.

“Mentorship has been instrumental in my own career, and I strongly believe in its power to support and elevate women in the workplace,” shares Jacqueline. “At Etihad Cargo, we have formal mentorship programmes that connect female employees with experienced leaders who can provide career guidance, share insights, and help them navigate challenges. These programmes facilitate professional growth and help build confidence and expand networks, which are crucial for career advancement.”

Beyond mentorship, Jacqueline also highlights the importance of structured sponsorship programs, where senior leaders actively advocate for high-potential women and ensure they are considered for leadership opportunities.

“The industry has an opportunity to introduce more structured sponsorship programmes, where senior leaders actively advocate for high-potential women, ensuring they are considered for key roles and leadership opportunities. Sponsorship is particularly important because it goes beyond guidance—it provides tangible career progression by positioning women for promotions and leadership positions. I have personally seen the impact of mentorship in empowering women at Etihad Cargo, and I am committed to further strengthening these initiatives to help more women advance in the industry.”

Overcoming challenges in a traditionally male-dominated industry
Despite progress, women in air cargo continue to face challenges, particularly in leadership and technical roles. Jacqueline acknowledges these barriers and emphasises how Etihad Cargo is addressing them.

“The air cargo and logistics industry has historically been male-dominated, and women continue to face several challenges, particularly in leadership and technical roles,” says Jacqueline. “Gender stereotypes persist, and women are often underestimated when it comes to operational and decision-making positions. Additionally, a lack of female representation in leadership can make it difficult for women to envision a long-term career path in this field. Another challenge is retention—talented women leave the industry due to limited career growth opportunities, inflexible work arrangements, or workplace cultures that do not always foster inclusivity.”

To combat these challenges, Etihad Cargo has implemented policies that support work-life balance, leadership training to accelerate career progression, and recruitment processes designed to eliminate bias. These steps are helping more women not just enter the industry, but thrive and advance within it.

How women drive innovation
Diversity is not just about fairness—it’s also about performance and innovation. Etihad Cargo has experienced firsthand the benefits of having a diverse workforce.

“Diversity in leadership and decision-making drives innovation, and at Etihad Cargo, we have seen first-hand how gender diversity contributes to our success. Women bring different perspectives, collaborative leadership styles, and innovative approaches to problem-solving, which are essential in a fast-paced, complex industry like air cargo. A diverse workforce fosters creativity, improves decision-making, and enhances team performance,” shares Jacqueline.

The role of women in shaping the future of logistics cannot be overstated, particularly as the industry undergoes rapid technological transformation, including automation, artificial intelligence, and sustainable supply chain solutions. Having diverse voices at the table ensures that companies remain agile and competitive.

Paving the way for the future
While Etihad Cargo has made significant strides in gender diversity, the company remains committed to continuous improvement.

“Gender diversity remains a strategic priority at Etihad Cargo, and we are continually looking for ways to enhance our initiatives and create new opportunities for women within the organisation,” Jacqueline says. “While we have already implemented mentorship and leadership development programmes, we are exploring additional ways to provide opportunities to help more women advance into senior positions.”

With 47% of operational roles currently held by women and 50% female representation in management within Northeastern Asia, Etihad Cargo is setting an example for the industry.

Empowering the next generation of women in air cargo
Jacqueline’s own career serves as a testament to the opportunities available to women in the air cargo industry, and she offers this advice to aspiring professionals:

“My advice to women pursuing a career in logistics is to embrace the challenges, seek mentorship, and advocate for themselves. This industry offers incredible opportunities for those who are willing to step forward and take on leadership roles. Surround yourself with mentors and role models who can guide you, build resilience, and never be afraid to push for what you deserve. Most importantly, believe in your own capabilities—your voice and contributions matter, and they will shape the future of air cargo.”

The future of logistics is more diverse than ever, and with companies like Etihad Cargo leading the way, the air cargo industry is proving that gender diversity isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential for long-term success.