Philippine Airlines continues to empower aspiring Filipina pilots through its “Fly With Her” program
It’s not uncommon to see women today in various professional industries, taking on leadership positions and creating groundbreaking work. We’ve been breaking the glass ceiling, girlbossing our way through different fields and spaces.
Where are women thriving next? Look up to the skies.
While aviation is still a male-dominated industry, with only six percent of pilots in the world being women, we may start to see the winds change in the Philippines.
After all, it was a Filipina who made a mark as Southeast Asia’s first woman commercial airline pilot flying a commercial flight in 1989. Aimee Carandang-Gloria was a pilot—and eventually SEA’s first woman airline captain—for Philippine Airlines (PAL). More Filipinas have since joined Captain Carandang-Gloria in soaring the skies, with more than 80 female pilots now flying across PAL’s various fleets.
The work to inspire more Filipinas to reach greater heights continues this year, as PAL launched a short film, accompanied by a children’s book entitled “Fly With Her.”
The heartwarming short film, accompanied by a children’s book, is backed with a gentle, female rendition of the classic OPM hit “Alapaap,” and featuring one of PAL’s very own women pilots, too.
The film subtly shows the breaking of gender stereotypes, as the young girl finds more joy in her paper planes and kites. “Alapaap” as the chosen theme song also aptly inspires the relentless pursuit of one’s dreams, no matter how far or how high.
Even more inspiring is how the film closes with the female pilot inspiring another young girl to fly, too. As the words, “gusto mo bang sumama?” play softly in the background, it emphasizes how these young girls can rise, thanks to the love and support around them.
The children’s book, also entitled “Fly With Her,” is written by Irish Bautista and Mica Dela Rosa, and features adorable illustrations by Kim Alexis Santiago. “Fly With Her” follows a little girl named Aira who, inspired by paper airplanes and kites, and supported by her loved ones, pursues her dream of flying by becoming a pilot.
The release of the film and book are perfectly timed with PAL’s partnership with the PAL Foundation, pledging P10 million to support more aspiring women pilots. The “Fly With Her” program is set to amplify the airline’s diversity and inclusion program.
Copies of the “Fly With Her” book are available for free at the PAL Museum from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on all Thursdays and Fridays of March until supplies last.
The PAL Museum is located at G/F Lucio K. Tan Jr. Center, Andrews Ave., Pasay City.
Learn more about how PAL is supporting aspiring women pilots at philippineairlines.com/ph/en/FlyWithHer.
