TOKYO – Japan's transport ministry is taking steps to address the low representation of women in the country's aviation industry by introducing a quota for female applicants at the Civil Aviation College, which trains pilots. The new quota will begin with the 2027 academic year's admissions.

Currently, women make up a mere 1.9% of all pilots at Japanese airlines, significantly lower than the global average of 4.7% at major airlines. The Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry aims to increase this figure to 10% by 2035.

Announced on Friday, the ministry's plan involves a review of the current entrance exam system and the creation of a new category focused on personality evaluation. This new evaluation method will rely on document screening and interviews, replacing the traditional written exam. This new category will offer 30 slots, with 20 specifically reserved for female applicants.

This initiative is projected to result in women comprising nearly 20% of the college's total recruitment capacity of 108.

Further demonstrating its commitment to inclusivity, the college will also eliminate the minimum height requirement of 158 centimeters, effective for the 2026 academic year's intake.

Graduates of the Civil Aviation College constitute approximately 40% of the pilots employed by domestic airlines. However, the college's current intake reflects the gender disparity in the field. Of the students admitted for the 2024 academic year, only six, or 5.6%, were female. The ministry hopes this new quota system will significantly alter this trend and pave the way for greater gender balance in the cockpit.

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