Xiaoqing Deng is a PhD student at the Aircraft Operations Lab UC3M who has built her career in aviation and aerospace engineering —fields still largely dominated by men. Having studied and worked in China, the U.S., the U.K., and now Spain, she has navigated the varied cultural and structural barriers that women in aviation face worldwide.
On this International Women’s Day, Xiaoqing shared with us her experiences in these sectors and her view on how women can break barriers and expand their possibilities in the industry. She is convinced that the sky is not the limit for women, and proof of that is her own dream: to accomplish a round-the-world flight, inspired by aviation pioneer Jerrie Mock.
A Global Perspective on Women in Aviation
Strict entry requirements, gender biases, limited representation and higher societal expectations are some of the obstacles women still need to face to develop their careers in the aviation and aerospace sectors. “Overcoming them requires women to be mentally stronger and more professional in their fields”, says Xiaoqing Deng. She highlights that in China, women frequently need to transition between disciplines several times before securing roles in air traffic control or flight-related jobs. In contrast, she experienced the U.S., with its diverse aviation sector, offers fewer barriers and broader career paths beyond traditional operational roles, such as consulting and research and development, providing women with better growth opportunities. However, she also saw implicit biases and male-dominated workplaces, which in her opinion, continue to restrict women’s opportunities for leadership roles.
Balancing Career and Family
One of the biggest challenges women face in aviation is balancing demanding work schedules with family responsibilities. Piloting, air traffic control, and engineering often require physically demanding tasks, shift work, travel, or long hours, making it challenging to manage career ambitions with family life. Xiaoqing notes that societal expectations still place a heavier burden on women when it comes to family responsibilities. “In general, these roles tend to have an implicit gender preference, even if such biases are not explicitly stated in job descriptions.”
An example is a pilot couple Xiaoqing knows personally: “Due to the nature of the flight schedules, they were barely able to be home at the same time. Since the day their child was born, the increasing need for parental presence in daily care, and later in education, led the mother to reduce her job commitment. So, her plan to promote to a captain was repeatedly delayed.”
Addressing these gender inequalities would require policy reforms that support both career advancement and family life, but the key is finding the right balance. “In the U.S., maternity leave policies set by the companies are often too short, overlooking the needs of working mothers”, shares the PhD candidate. “On the other hand, in China, the extended maternity leave policies can create hiring biases, making some companies reluctant to employ women due to concerns over long absences and additional costs.”
She believes these structural issues from both countries create unnecessary pressure on women. “Both systems struggle to align legal goals with economic realities, calling for the need for balanced solutions, such as public childcare support or shared parental duties, that minimize distortions in labor markets.”
The Power of Role Models and Educational Support
Visibility and mentorship play a crucial role in inspiring women to pursue aviation and related scientific careers. Xiaoqing’s role model, Jerrie Mock —the first woman to fly solo around the world in 1964, is responsible for the student’s commitment to complete her flight training and repeat Mock’s adventure someday. “Her determination, skill, and perseverance in achieving this milestone have always inspired me.”
Education can also work as a fundamental tool in breaking barriers for women in aviation. The high technical threshold of this industry necessitates specialized education and training, and targeted support is for Xiaoqing a crucial way to break the additional barriers that women face. She suggests providing scholarships and funding programs specifically designed for female students in aviation and STEM fields. “Establishing mentorship programs, professional networking events, and peer support groups can help women navigate challenges and create a more inclusive and collaborative environment.”, she adds.
To young women aspiring to become aerospace engineers, pilots, or aviation leaders, Xiaoqing advises: “No matter what industry you start with, the most important thing is to follow your passion. Once you have identified your goal, do not doubt yourself or hesitate—stay committed, create a concrete plan, and work step by step towards entering the field you aspire to be in.”