ASG Aerospace recognises women shaping the industry on International Women’s Day 2026

On International Women’s Day 2026, ASG Aerospace is recognising the women whose expertise and leadership are shaping the business across its operations.

From production engineers and quality specialists to operations leaders, technicians and apprentices, women across the business play key roles in delivering the aerospace components and systems customers rely on.

Their presence also reflects a wider challenge for the aerospace sector: ensuring the industry continues to attract and develop the widest possible talent while strengthening the cognitive diversity that generates new ideas and supercharges problem solving as programmes scale and technologies evolve.

A catalyst for reflection in aerospace

International Women’s Day provides an opportunity for the industry to reflect on that challenge.

Sarah Stephens, Managing Director of ASG TGM, part of ASG Aerospace, says the day helps maintain focus on improving diversity across the sector.

“IWD26 matters because aerospace still has work to do. It’s an opportunity to keep pushing for greater gender diversity and to ensure the industry attracts and develops the widest possible talent. That’s something we’re committed to continuing to build at ASG Aerospace.”

Across ASG Aerospace, developing talent remains a priority. Apprenticeships, technical training and leadership programmes support the next generation of engineers and manufacturing specialists across the group’s operations.

Standing on the shoulders of pioneers

Aerospace today is shaped by digital manufacturing, global supply chains and strict regulatory frameworks, and women have played a role in the industry since its earliest years.

One example is Beatrice Shilling, the British engineer whose work during the Second World War solved a critical issue affecting the Rolls-Royce Merlin engine used in early Spitfires and Hurricanes.

Her engineering solution — officially known as the RAE restrictor — prevented fuel starvation during negative-G manoeuvres, restoring a vital tactical advantage for RAF pilots during the Battle of Britain.

Another well-known figure is Amelia Earhart, who became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean in 1932, bringing global attention to aviation and inspiring generations of pilots and engineers.

Earlier still, Elise Raymonde Deroche became the first woman in the world to receive an official pilot’s licence in 1910, when aviation itself was still in its infancy.

Engineering the future

The aerospace sector is entering another phase of transformation driven by sustainability, digitalisation and increasing production demand.

Meeting those challenges will require continued investment in both technology and people.

For ASG Aerospace, recognising the women across the business reflects a broader focus on strengthening engineering and manufacturing teams and ensuring the cognitive diversity that generates new ideas and accelerates problem solving as aerospace challenges grow more complex.

Simon Weston, CEO of ASG Aerospace, says the industry ultimately depends on the people behind it.

“Aerospace succeeds because of the people who build it. Across ASG, women in engineering, operations, quality, finance and leadership roles are essential to delivering the service our customers depend on.”

International Women’s Day provides a moment to recognise that contribution and consider how the industry continues to evolve.