Independence Day: Airline company IndiGo on Wednesday added 77 women pilots for its Airbus and ATR aircraft to celebrate the 77th anniversary of the country's independence. With this, the airline company now has more than 800 women pilots.

The airline said in a statement that the induction of 72 women pilots in the Airbus fleet and five women pilots in the ATR fleet is a milestone to commemorate the completion of 77 years of the country's independence. The airline said that the company has about 14 percent women pilots, while the global average is seven to nine percent women pilots.

Captain Ashim Mitra, Senior Vice President of Flight Operations, at IndiGo, said the airline has always promoted a workplace that is based on diversity and inclusiveness. IndiGo has launched the 'Jeevan Chakra' initiative. Under this, women pilots with children below the age of five can opt for shorter flying contracts.

The airline had 36,860 permanent employees as of March 31, 2024, including 5,038 pilots and 9,363 flight support staff.