Analysis: Do women have a place at U.S. airlines outside of stewarding?
Photo Credit: Virgin flight attendants at the launch of Virgin Atlantic's route from London to Cancun. Virgin Atlantic
Skift Take
The history of how women ended up serving snacks rather than selecting new routes is one that applies to almost all businesses, but Branson is one of the most outspoken in the industry that sees a need for change.
Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson recently became the first LinkedIn Influencer to have 1 million followers, and in the interview commemorating that achievement he touched on the role of women in the boardroom. Branson encouraged companies to strive for a true 50-50 split of men and women on their boards.
The absence of women in leadership positions is an ongoing discussion, most recently gaining traction after Facebook Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg took Davos to task for its chauvinism. The role women play in the aviation industry; however, could be considered different than those of other sectors as women are the primary decision-makers when it comes to leisure travel.
A study by Microsoft found that 57 percent of women that came across their advertising sites were the primary travel decision-makers in their households, and Web in Travel came to a similar conclusion in online travel booking and planning.
Branson; however, isn't just playing his
