Wizz Air marked the day by operating a London-Athens service with an entirely female crew.

The flight departed Luton early on Wednesday, piloted by captain Sanne Gibson with first officer Christina Carver alongside her in the cockpit, while Angela Grime was the air traffic controller on duty.

Onboard, cabin manager Bianca Maria Saceanu assisted passengers with the help of four other female flight attendants.

“London Luton airport is delighted to have supported Wizz Air on its all-female flight as part of International Women’s Day,” said the airport’s head of people services Joanna Reeves. 

“From guest experience to security and airside operations, our female colleagues across the airport play a vital role in delivering a smooth and friendly passenger experience.”

The all-female flight is the latest in a number of initiatives by the low-cost carrier to increase opportunities in aviation, including offering financial support to cadets. Wizz Air has also pledged to diversify its management teams, streamlining access to leadership positions for women.

“At Wizz Air, we are fully committed to gender equality and we are removing barriers for women seeking a career in aviation,” added UK managing director Marion Geoffroy. “We’re proud that today, 30% of our senior management team are female.”

Separately, Ambassador Cruise Line marked International Women’s Day by praising its female employees for being “some of the most amazing women in travel".

“From the crew and officers at sea to those in our head office shoreside, you are some of the most amazing women in travel. We are incredibly proud and grateful for the hard work you put in every day to ensure Ambassador continues to offer guests the ‘warmest welcome at sea’,” said the line, captioning a picture taken onboard Ambiance featuring many of the line’s female employees.