An open letter from the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP) pushing back against criticisms stemming from diversity and inclusion programs in the aerospace industry has been endorsed by Women in Aviation International (WAI).

The letter, released last Sunday, argues that “diversity in the flight deck enhances safety, innovation, and the overall effectiveness of the industry” and also makes note of the current statistical inequity of Black workers within the aerospace industry, despite the existence of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.

“According to the 2023 US Bureau of Labor & Statistics Report, of the 211,000 commercial pilots employed in the United States, 92.4 percent identify as white, while only 3.9 percent are Black,” the letter reads. “Efforts have been ongoing to foster greater inclusivity.”

WAI CEO Lynda Coffman, defending OBAP’s letter, said that providing access and education to those seeking out careers in aviation is a net positive for the industry.

“As a longtime partner in fostering greater inclusivity in our industry, WAI has proudly signed OBAP’s letter and offers our continued support and resources as one of the many aviation affinity groups with the same goal,” she said.

OBAP’s statement comes amidst growing national criticism of diversity and inclusion programs across all American industries. Pundit Charlie Kirk specifically expressed concerns about Black pilots on his podcast, opining that Black pilots could be less qualified because they’ve benefitted from DEI programs.

“I’m sorry; if I see a Black pilot, I’m going to be like, ‘Boy, I hope he’s qualified,’” Kirk said.

Donald Trump Jr. insinuated on social media that an incident where a wheel fell off a Delta Boeing 757 during takeoff could potentially be blamed on DEI hires. “Wheels don’t just fall off planes without gross incompetence in the equation,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter). 

There is no proof that the incident was caused because of DEI hires.

According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of pilots and flight engineers who are Black grew from 2.7 percent in 2018 to 3.6 percent in 2023.