Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines’ leading carrier, has taken a major step toward promoting gender inclusivity in the skies by hosting the official launch of Women in Aviation International – Philippines (WAI-PH), the country’s first organization dedicated to empowering women in the aviation industry.

WAI-PH is the local chapter of Women in Aviation International (WAI), a global nonprofit with more than 20,000 members worldwide. The organization provides mentorship, scholarships, and networking opportunities for women pursuing aviation-related careers, with the mission to educate, connect, and inspire women across all sectors of the field.

“Cebu Pacific is proud to support this initiative that empowers women in aviation,” said Shevantha Weerasekera, CEB Vice President for Engineering and Fleet Management. “It aligns perfectly with our goal of fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where everyone can take flight.”

The launch—organized in partnership with CEB’s Engineering and Fleet Management (EFM), the People Department, and the chapter’s founding officers—comes at a crucial time as the Philippine aviation industry modernizes its fleets, embraces digital transformation, and works to bridge workforce gaps.

As part of the event, WAI-PH also marked Girls in Aviation Day (GIAD) with interactive activities that introduced young Filipinas to the world of flight. Participants engaged in aircraft tours, hands-on workshops, and career talks with female pilots, engineers, mechanics, and cabin crew, receiving aviation-themed resource kits from WAI-USA.

Looking ahead, WAI-PH plans to grow its network beyond its founding members— Cebu Pacific, Aplus, and Airlink Aviation College — by partnering with more airlines, aviation schools, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) organizations nationwide. Through mentorship, leadership programs, and outreach initiatives, the organization aims to inspire the next generation of Filipina aviators, helping shape a more diverse and inclusive aviation industry.