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Shradha Dabral is a junior aircraft maintenance technician at the Delhi Airport
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Women in Aviation Maintenance
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At Air India, the workforce is diverse, including 46% women. It invites you to explore behind the scenes with pioneers reshaping the skies, one flight at a time. In the opening story of the series, introduce yourself to Shradha Dabral, a junior aircraft maintenance technician at Delhi Airport, as she shares her journey in aviation.
What does a typical day in your work life look like?
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Each day in aviation brings a fresh start, akin to a new chapter in a book that concludes with valuable insights. As an aircraft maintenance technician in line maintenance at Delhi Airport, my daily tasks include conducting pre-flight inspections, performing transit inspections, troubleshooting issues, and resolving problems to ensure aircraft return to the skies promptly and are safe for flight. Witnessing an aircraft I've worked on ascend is unmatched joy.
When you tell your friends and family that you work in aviation without revealing your job role, what is their first reaction?
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I feel a blend of pride, excitement, and curiosity. Some believe I’ll be piloting planes. Given that aviation is often viewed as male-dominated, my dad felt a mix of concern and pride for my determination to succeed in such a remarkable and distinctive career.
You work in a predominantly male-oriented sphere. How have you navigated your career in this context?
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I believe that an aircraft is indifferent to whether I am a man or a woman. So why should I make that distinction? I have consistently approached my work with rigor and precision, which has helped me advance. This industry is challenging, even for men, as it demands discipline and attentiveness.
How has Air India supported you in your journey?
I consider myself fortunate that gender has not influenced my work experience at this organization. However, this is not true for everyone; women continue to encounter gender-related challenges in many workplaces. Personally, I have not faced such issues during my time at Air India despite having occupied positions typically associated with men. Air India has consistently provided strong support throughout my career journey.
Any special memory you hold close in all your years of working here?
As employees, we receive discounted air travel tickets for our families. I saved money throughout the year and used it to book a flight for my parents and grandmother to visit Pashupati Nath in Kathmandu, also covering their stay. For the first time in her life, my grandmother flew on an airplane and experienced an airport. I am incredibly thankful to the company that enabled me to provide this experience for my family.
One piece of advice for young women aspiring to pursue a career in aviation.
Avoid defining yourself by traits such as gender; instead, focus on your skills. The aviation industry has many excellent role models, so don’t hesitate to seek their guidance. Each year, more women are participating in aviation, and the gap between jobs held by men and women is narrowing. It's increasingly typical to see women in hangars or on the front lines of aviation maintenance, repair, and operations. Embrace your dreams and pursue them!
Stay tuned to read more such inspiring stories about women at Air India.
