Philippine Airlines Pledges PHP10 Million to Support Filipina Pilots

Philippine Airlines (PAL) is taking a bold step toward gender equality in aviation through its Fly With Her program, a scholarship initiative that empowers aspiring Filipina pilots. In celebration of International Women’s Day, the flag carrier has pledged PHP10 million to the PAL Foundation to support women who dream of taking the captain’s seat.

This fund will provide PHP2.5 million each to four (04) deserving and qualified female cadet pilots, helping them begin their aviation training. The scholarship grant will be directly disbursed to PAL’s designated partner flight school, partially covering the tuition fees for the recipients’ pilot education.

PAL Vice President for Marketing Alvin M. Miranda reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to inclusivity, stating, “As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we reiterate our support to women who dream of flying for and even assuming top positions in the PAL organization.”

Beyond financial aid, PAL will also release an inspirational film based on the true story of a young girl who aspired to become a pilot. This initiative aims to encourage more young women to pursue careers in aviation.

“When little girls see women take on leadership roles, it inspires them to do the same and possibly go beyond,” said Lilybeth T. Ng, PAL Assistant Vice President for Pilot Affairs. 

Championing Women in the Skies

The aviation industry remains heavily male-dominated, with women making up only 6% of pilots worldwide. However, PAL has a longstanding history of breaking barriers. In 1989, PAL’s very own Captain Aimee Carandang-Gloria became Southeast Asia’s first female commercial airline pilot. She further cemented her legacy in 1993 by becoming the region’s first female airline captain.

Through the Fly With Her program and other initiatives, PAL continues to pave the way for a more inclusive aviation industry, reinforcing its commitment to #CareThatComesFromTheHeart.

For more information on the Fly With Her program and PAL’s advocacy for women in aviation, visit https://www.philippineairlines.com/ph/en/FlyWithHer.