In a special event organised for International Women’s Day and Women of Aviation Worldwide Week, gyrocopter pilot Hatice Nur Gündoğdu was hosted.
Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen (ISG) International Airport held the second event of the “In the Footsteps of Sabiha Gökçen” talk series as part of International Women’s Day and Women of Aviation Worldwide Week. The event, held at the ISG Airport Hotel, was attended by representatives of Airport Management and Aviation Industries Inc. (HEAŞ), public institutions operating at the airport, business partners, ISG management, and employees within the airport ecosystem.
The event concluded with the release of pink paper aeroplanes.
Emphasis on Supporting Female Leaders
ISG Human Resources Director Serpil Köşker highlighted the importance they place on empowering women to take on strong roles in the aviation sector during her speech at the event. Köşker said, “As the airport named after the world’s first female fighter pilot, Sabiha Gökçen, we support women in playing a more active role in working life.”
Drawing attention to the fact that 50% of Sabiha Gökçen Airport’s board of directors is composed of women, Köşker expressed their pride in having successful female managers in critical departments such as human resources, information technology, finance, and communications.
Köşker also expressed their satisfaction with the increasing presence of female pilots, engineers, and air traffic controllers in the aviation field, stating, “The achievements of women in this sector inspire younger generations. As ISG, we will continue to support female leaders.”
The Inspiring Success of Gyrocopter Pilot Gündoğdu
The guest of honour at the event, gyrocopter pilot Hatice Nur Gündoğdu, shared that she has donated all proceeds from the aerial photographs she has taken since 2016 to support the education of young people interested in aviation. She expressed her great pride in receiving the ‘Sabiha Gökçen Women Aviators Award’ nearly two weeks ago, in honour of the Turkish Aeronautical Association’s 100th anniversary.
Gündoğdu revealed her future goal of retracing Sabiha Gökçen’s solo Balkan Tour, following in her footsteps and bringing the iconic journey back to life.
