Cebu Pacific recently hosted the official launch of Women in Aviation International – Philippines (WAI-PH).

WAI-PH is the first organisation in the Philippines dedicated to empowering women across the aviation sector. According to Shevantha Weerasekera, Vice-President for Engineering and Fleet Management at Cebu Pacific:

“Cebu Pacific is proud to support this initiative that empowers women in aviation. It aligns perfectly with our goal of fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where everyone can take flight.”

The launch, sponsored by CEB Engineering and Fleet Management (EFM) and the People Department along with the chapter’s founding officers, comes at a crucial moment as the Philippine aviation sector undergoes modernization and embraces digital transformation, addressing workforce gaps.

During the event, WAI-PH also celebrated Girls in Aviation Day (GIAD), inspiring young Filipinas through hands-on activities, career talks with female pilots, engineers, and mechanics; aircraft tours; and resource kits from WAI-USA.

This initiative provided participants with an early insight into aviation careers, encouraging them to consider entering the aerospace industry.

The Philippine chapter is part of Women in Aviation International (WAI), a nonprofit with over 20,000 members globally, which offers mentorship, scholarships, and networking to help women thrive in aviation. WAI-PH seeks to expand its reach beyond its founding members, including Cebu Pacific, Aplus, and Airlink Aviation College, by engaging more airlines, aviation schools, and maintenance organisations nationwide.

Through mentorship and leadership programs, Cebu Pacific aims to inspire more Filipinas to pursue careers in aviation, highlighting the importance of diversity and inclusion within the industry.