Porter Mentoring Women In Aviation

Porter Airlines is sponsoring a new mentorship program with The Northern Lights Aero Foundation to attract and retain more women in aviation and aerospace.

The Northern Lights Mentorship Program is designed to connect aspiring and experienced aviation professionals. Participants will broaden their professional networks, receive practical advice and form a support network to help guide them through their career.

Mentors, both male and female, will motivate and inspire women to pursue opportunities in aviation and aerospace while enhancing their leadership and communication skills.

Robert Deluce, president and CEO of Porter Airlines, said: “Women are generally underrepresented in aviation and aerospace. The Northern Lights Mentorship Program helps break down barriers by connecting women with mentors who know the industry and generally have a passion for what they do and want to share it with other aviation enthusiasts.”

And Deluce continued: “There are many opportunities within aviation – from being a pilot, to a maintenance engineer or dispatcher – having someone to help navigate the path forward is invaluable.”

The Northern Lights Mentorship Program focuses on three phases of career planning and connects participants with mentors who can best support them:

• Considering a career within aviation and aerospace (imagining)
• Training and development (training)
• Established within the industry (developing)

Porter’s sponsorship of the mentorship program includes funds and in-kind services for its development and design. The program launched at the Northern Lights Awards Gala on Sept. 29; an annual event honouring outstanding women in Canadian aviation and aerospace.

Porter’s support of the Northern Lights Aero Foundation stems from its Women Soar at Porter program, which launched in 2016. The program is led by dedicated Porter volunteers who actively promote opportunities that exist for women in aviation. At Porter, female pilots represent approximately 13% of the total group, versus approximately 5% for the overall industry. Porter has the highest percentage of female pilots in Canada.

To join The Northern Lights Mentorship Program as a mentor or mentee, go to https://northernlightsaerofoundation.com/mentorship-program/ .

For more on Porter Airlines, go to www.flyporter.com .