SEPANG: In conjunction with Mother’s Day, AirAsia announced a new addition to its traditional uniforms for pilots and cabin crew: a nursing cover.
The airline introduced the ‘Moms-on-Duty’ kit, which would be available to new mothers in operational roles from this year onward.
Its Chief People Officer, Intan Shahira Mohd Shahru, highlighted the difficulties faced by women in operational roles, particularly in balancing work with motherhood.
“The adjustment back to flying hours while managing motherhood responsibilities can significantly affect their wellbeing, especially for those who are still nursing,” she said in a statement.
This initiative is part of AirAsia’s commitment to enhancing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) within the company.
“Since last year, we have been refining policies and practices to facilitate their return to work,” she added.
Through discussions with pilot and cabin crew mothers, part of the AirAsia staff, the airline identified several challenges. These include scarce opportunities to express breastmilk during flights and a lack of private spaces on aircraft.
As a result, some mothers have chosen to extend their maternity leave or even resign from their jobs.
The ‘Moms-on-Duty’ kit includes a handbook with guidance on expressing breastmilk and seeking support.
“This involves enhancing facilities and offices, as well as improving income security for pregnant pilots, cabin crews, and engineers, aligning with global aviation best practices guidelines by the International Civil Aviation Organization,” she said.
In 2022, AirAsia extended the maternity leave for all staff in Malaysia from 60 days to 98 days.
Additionally, in 2018, AirAsia established a childcare centre at its headquarters, which now serves 80 children of employees, aged 11 months to six years.
The airline’s 2023 Sustainability Report noted positive developments such as an increase in the proportion of women in leadership roles and in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. The proportion of women in leadership positions increased to 32% from 24% the previous year. Female pilot representation grew to 7% from 6.6%, and women in IT roles increased to 23.9% from 17.7% in 2022.
