Air India creates history – Flies world’s longest all-women operated flight

Commemorating International Women’s Day, National Carrier Air India has made history flying the world’s longest all-women operated and supported flight on the Non-Stop Delhi- San Francisco route. Close to 17 hrs and travelling a distance of around 14500 Km, the flight AI 173 departed from Delhi on March 6th at 0235 Hrs and landed San Francisco at 0621 Hrs.

The historic flight was under the command of Captain Kshamta Bajpayee and Captain Shubhangi Singh along with First Officers Captain Ramya Kirti Gupta and Captain Amrit Namdhari. Speaking on this historic moment, Captain Kshamata Bajpayee said, “I feel truly blessed to be part of the Air India family. Only when you wish can you be granted that wish. Only when you dream can that dream come true.

On this special flight Mr. Ashwini Lohani, CMD Air India said “It is a historic flight and the longest operated by all women crew. The airline has immense respect for women and it is a symbol of women empowerment.” Air India celebrates International Women’s Day every year by deploying women crew on its select international and domestic routes.

This year for the first time, on the world’s longest nonstop flight, the entire flight operations from Cockpit Crew to Cabin crew, Check-In staff, Doctor, Customer Care Staff, ATC and the entire ground handling from operator to technician, Engineer and flight dispatcher and trimmer is handled by women.

Air India’s mission to make women self-reliant, forms a core facet of the national carrier’s corporate responsibility towards its women employees and reflects the “Truly Indian” tradition of showing respect to women. The airline has around 3800 women employees, including women pilots, cabin crew, engineers, technicians, doctors, security personnel and executives.