Emirates employs 29,000 women from 150 countries who make up 44 percent of the Dubai-based carrier’s workforce, the airline has disclosed ahead of International Women’s Day.

“Emirates is committed to providing equal opportunities at the workplace for both women and men across all business functions. We are proud of our women colleagues and their immense contribution to the growth and success of the airline. We hope that they can continue to inspire and be role models for girls and women across the globe interested in pursuing careers in aviation,” says Abdulaziz Al Ali, Executive Vice President of Human Resources at Emirates.

Nearly two-thirds of Emirates’ female staff work as cabin crew, while 2.5 percent occupy managerial positions.

The proportion of women as part of the airline’s total workforce has also grown by 6 percent over the last decade.