United Airlines currently employs the highest total number of female pilots in the United States, largely due to its massive fleet and its "United Aviate Academy," which has a goal of 50% of its students being women or people of color. However, when looking at the percentage of the pilot workforce, United, Southwest, and Delta are all highly competitive, with women making up roughly 7% to 9% of their total pilot ranks as of 2026. This is significantly higher than the global average of around 5.8%. Historically, Frontier Airlines was a pioneer, hiring the first female pilot for a major U.S. airline in 1973. On a global scale, Air India holds the record for the highest percentage of female pilots at roughly 12.5%. The industry continues to push for more diversity, with major carriers offering specialized scholarships and mentorship programs to bridge the gender gap in the cockpit.