Last March 8, AirAsia Philippines operated an all-female flight crew to usher in National Women’s Month and celebrate International Women’s Day. This initiative not only marks a leap towards breaking gender norms in the aviation industry but also shines a spotlight on the crucial roles women play at AirAsia Philippines.
AirAsia Philippines boasts a workforce where women, known affectionately as “Allstars,” make up 37% of its employees. These women take on roles that challenge the traditional gender stereotypes, working diligently as flight engineers, mechanics, ramp agents, and marshallers. According to AirAsia CEO Ricky Isla, the era when women were limited to certain roles is long gone. Today, they stand shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts, ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers while upholding the airline’s promise of excellent service.
The special flights, numbered Z2-223, Z2-224, Z2-420, and Z2-421, were led by Captain Jasmin Timola and First Officer Nicolette Trisha Castaneda, who balance their demanding careers with motherhood. The cabin was attended by Senior Cabin Crew Mhea Salvador, and Cabin Crew Thalia Javier, Demii Marvick Fernando, and Jamessy Lee Asok, ensuring a warm welcome to travelers headed for a relaxing weekend in Boracay and Bohol. This all-female flight crew embodies the spirit of determination and excellence, serving as role models for aspiring aviators regardless of gender.
Empowering Women Beyond the Flight Deck
To further honor this special month, AirAsia introduced “All Women (check-in) Lanes” at NAIA Terminal 2, a symbolic gesture acknowledging the resilience and hard work of women. Moreover, the airline hosted a special Women’s Day PAA-Talk session at the AirAsia Red Point headquarters, focusing on driving inclusivity and championing equality in the workplace. The session highlighted AirAsia’s commitment to empowering its female employees, providing them with opportunities to excel and lead.
The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) praised AirAsia Philippines for its efforts. PCW Officer-in-Charge, Atty. Khay Ann Magundayao-Borlado, commended the airline for showcasing women’s capabilities in aviation and inspiring young women and girls to pursue careers in fields traditionally dominated by men.
A Milestone for Gender Equality
AirAsia Philippines’ initiative of operating an all-female flight and organizing related activities in honor of Women’s Month is a big step towards achieving gender equality in the aviation sector. By providing these opportunities, AirAsia is not only opening the pathway for more women to pursue and excel in aviation careers but also showcasing their dedication to inclusivity. This move serves as an inspirational model for industries globally, underlining the importance of acknowledging and celebrating the crucial roles women play across various work domains.
First love never dies. I fell in love with airplanes and aviation when I was a kid. My dream was to become a pilot, but destiny led me to another path: to be an aviation digital media content creator and a small business owner. My passion for aviation inspires me to bring you quality content through my website and social accounts. Aviation is indeed in my blood and blog!
