It's no secret that aviation lags behind in diversity, equity, and inclusion, with statistics showing alarmingly low representation vs. comparable industries. This issue is further exacerbated by the widespread belief that aviation is not doing enough to address these challenges. This lack of diversity is particularly concerning given the current shortages in many skilled aviation roles. Tapping into underrepresented talent pools could be a significant opportunity for the industry to address these shortages and foster a more inclusive environment.
Mohammad Taher, also known as "The Airport Guy”, is on a mission to inspire more people to pursue aviation-related careers.
In light of AeroProfessional’s recent whitepaper, "Breaking Barriers: The Pathway Towards a More Diverse Aviation Industry”, we spoke with Mohammad about his remarkable efforts to attract the next generation of diverse talent to the aviation sector.
While many in the aviation industry are familiar with your story, could you start by reminding us of your personal journey in aviation?
From a young age, I was captivated by aviation, though I often heard that "they don’t hire Muslims in aviation" and that it wouldn't be a good career choice for me. This was discouraging until, through my brother-in-law’s connections, I visited Marshall Aerospace. The CEO kindly gave me a 3 hour tour of the facility, including the control tower. That experience was transformative for me. I was in awe and knew my future lay in this industry. Intrigued by the engineering aspect, I decided to pursue that path, and the rest is history!
Fast-forward, and my career saw me working as technical engineering specialist looking after all the maintenance and compliance of the aerodrome electrical systems across the entirety of Heathrow Airport’s airfield. But, after building a personal social media following of over half a million people, a new role was established for me to use my creative and storytelling skills to bring Heathrow Airport to life across their official channels.
In January of this year, with the ongoing skills shortage in our industry, I had a revelation. I realised that not only do I love learning about aviation, but I am also passionate about teaching it in a way that inspires the next generation to choose it as a career.
I want to dedicate the next chapter of my career to educating the world about the incredible opportunities this industry offers. As "The Airport Guy", I am now an independent content creator on a mission to help the aviation industry educate and attract the next generation of diverse talent through the power of social media.
Why do you think the industry faces such challenges regarding diversity and inclusion?
Unconscious bias is still a huge problem. Shaped by our experiences, societal norms and cultural context, it influences our behaviour and judgements without our awareness. If we take the example of males and females, stereotypes still tell us to expect a pilot to be a man, and cabin crew to be a woman. Of course, this is completely not the case, but these preconceived notions can put a huge barrier to entry in the way of females and minority groups.
How well do you think different groups are represented in various roles within aviation, from pilots to executives?
Representation varies significantly depending on the role. I've observed that as you progress up the ladder in certain positions, representation of certain groups diminishes. Of course, this trend isn't unique to aviation, and is evident across many industries. However, when we consider the board level of airlines and aviation companies, representation remains lacking in most cases.
What strategies can aviation companies implement to attract and retain a more diverse workforce?
Commit to it. For airlines and aviation companies to see meaningful change at all levels, they must embrace a comprehensive approach. This involves fostering a more inclusive culture, thoroughly reviewing and revising hiring practices, and establishing partnerships with educational institutions, professional organisations, and community groups to create a diverse talent pipeline. Achieving true diversity and inclusion won't happen by chance; it requires dedicated effort and investment from everyone involved.
What role do mentorship and professional development programmes play in promoting diversity and inclusion in aviation?
They play a crucial role by providing support, guidance and opportunities for underrepresented groups. A great example of this is Fantasy Wings, which I’m proud to be a part of. The programme recognises that limited support and systemic barriers make it hard for underrepresented groups to access opportunities in the industry. The pioneering course brings together aviation professionals and flight training organisations to help launch people from ethnically diverse backgrounds and women into aviation. The sessions cover everything from engineering, to air traffic control regulations, and even leadership. At the end of the course we give three young people full sponsorship for their private pilot licences. It’s about making real change. Programmes like Fantasy Wings are instrumental in providing access to the aviation industry, and opening doors that might otherwise stay closed.
How do you think we can inspire more of the next generation into aviation?
Regardless of your background, aviation is difficult to access for young people, with limited opportunities for exposure and experiences. So, I want to change that by leveraging social media to bring aviation directly to them. Through authentic and engaging educational videos, they can discover the excitement and potential of an aviation career right at their fingertips. This approach is gaining momentum: recently I was in a room full of engineering apprentices and graduates at Heathrow Airport, and over half of them mentioned that my behind-the-scenes videos are what inspired them to apply. That’s huge!
This is just one of the many ways we can attract and engage young people from diverse backgrounds, but it just proves that the way people absorb content is changing. To reach them effectively, we need to meet them where they are: online. The power of social media and online storytelling is right there, ready for us to educate and inspire our future workforce. Why wouldn’t we use it?
What is your vision for the future of diversity and inclusion in aviation?
I want to see aviation champion diversity to the point that it doesn’t even need talking about anymore, it’s just accepted as a societal norm. I’d love to get to a place where it’s seen as an exciting and rewarding career path for people from all backgrounds, with no glass ceilings hindering their progression. That’s not going to happen overnight, I get that, but we need to put the work in now to lay the foundations for that change to happen. I’m excited to be a part of that change.
Finally, what advice would you give to young individuals from underrepresented groups who are aspiring to enter the aviation industry?
Believe in yourself, trust your abilities and potential. The industry needs diverse talent, and you have a valuable perspective to offer to it. Stay determined, be proactive, and seize every opportunity that comes your way. Don’t let anything limit your aspirations!
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AeroProfessional
Download a free copy of AeroProfessional’s latest whitepaper “Breaking Barriers: The Pathway Towards a More Diverse Aviation Industry”.
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The Airport Guy
Get in touch with him at info@motaher.co.uk
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