Philippine Airlines (PAL) is taking a significant step toward bridging the gender gap in aviation with its latest initiative, the “Fly With Her” program. This new scheme is designed to encourage and support women pursuing careers as pilots, reinforcing the airline’s dedication to gender diversity in the industry.
In line with this commitment, PAL has announced a P10 million pledge to the PAL Foundation, which administers its scholarship program for aspiring female aviators. The financial assistance aims to provide opportunities for women to train as pilots and ultimately contribute to a more inclusive aviation workforce.
“As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we reiterate our support for women who dream of flying and even assuming top leadership roles in the PAL organization,” said Alvin M. Miranda, PAL Vice President for Marketing.
Alongside financial support, PAL is set to launch a short film inspired by a true story of a young girl with aspirations of becoming a pilot. The film aligns with the airline’s broader advocacy for gender diversity, encouraging young women to envision themselves in leadership roles within aviation.
“When young girls see women take on leadership roles, it inspires them to do the same—and possibly go even further,” said Lilybeth T. Ng, PAL Assistant Vice President for Pilot Affairs.
The aviation industry has historically struggled with gender diversity, with women accounting for only around 6 percent of pilots globally. PAL has been proactive in addressing this imbalance for decades. In 1989, Captain Aimee Carandang-Gloria made history as the first female commercial airline pilot in Southeast Asia. She later became the region’s first female airline captain in 1993, paving the way for future generations of women in the profession.
“PAL continues to lead the way in opening doors for women in this traditionally male-dominated industry,” Ng emphasized.
With its commitment to inclusivity, PAL remains dedicated to promoting a more diverse aviation sector, reflecting its signature #CareThatComesFromTheHeart service.
The airline’s push to increase the number of women pilots comes at a pivotal moment for the aviation industry. Data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) indicates that the global aircraft fleet is expected to double over the next two decades, creating an unprecedented demand for pilots.
Industry projections estimate that between 500,000 and 600,000 new pilots will be needed by 2044 to accommodate the growing demand in commercial aviation. By actively investing in female aviators, PAL is not only championing diversity but also securing a skilled workforce to sustain the industry’s future growth.
