Aviation remains an overwhelmingly male industry: only around 5% of licensed aviation professionals globally are women. Socio-economic pressure and gender norms continue to obstruct female advancement across the industry, especially in Asia-Pacific where many countries lack maternity policies and flexible working arrangements.

Women In Aviation International seeks to break down these barriers by encouraging more women to consider aviation careers while supporting those already working in the industry. Boasting 20,000 members in 120 countries, the non-profit organisation was founded in the US, but has expanded to include chapters from all over the world.

Women In Aviation International’s Singapore Chapter (WAI SG) is our official Diversity & Equality Partner for Aviation Festival Asia 2026. Ahead of the event, Michelle Low, Board Director for Membership and Mentorship, told us how WAI SG nurtures female professionals in the region, as well as their plan to scale in future. Although societal pressures and fragmented workforce policies are keeping many women out of the industry, Low believes the fast-growing aviation market in APAC presents a fantastic opportunity to build a more inclusive workforce from the ground up. India, for example, has become the country with the highest percentage (around 15%) of female pilots.

India shows how rapid industry growth can grow hand in hand with greater gender inclusion. If we do this right, Asia’s aviation expansion can help redefine what a diverse modern aviation industry could look like.

Founded in 2021, WAI SG runs four flagship initiatives to support women of all ages on their aviation journey. Outreach begins early, with the Girls in Aviation Day designed to spark interest in children. The Careers in Aviation Day encourages teenagers to look more holistically at the opportunities on offer in this diverse industry. Meanwhile, scholarship programmes and mentorship opportunities help support women in training or on the job with financial assistance and peer-to-peer support.

In the near future, the WAI SG team want to expand their outreach even further, especially through highlighting career opportunities in areas that young women might not typically associate with aviation.

Due to the innovation and the evolution of the industry, there are a number of exciting roles relating to technology and AI that are coming up in this sector. So, we want to introduce these new roles to our young and burgeoning student body.
WAI SG have partnered with Aviation Festival Asia for several years now. As the Diversity & Inclusion Partner, their presence at the event helps elevate women in aviation from a coffee-break conversation to an essential consideration. At the event, the organisation will be looking to build meaningful partnerships, raise awareness of their mission, and learn more about the trends shaping the future of the APAC aviation community. Low explains:
Ultimately our long-term goal is to help establish Singapore as a hub of female aviation leadership in Asia, setting an example for the region and building an inclusive and future-ready aviation workforce.
🎥 Watch the video to hear the full conversation with Michelle Low.
Questions asked include:
  • What unique challenges do women in aviation face in APAC that they might not elsewhere?
  •  What are WAI SG’s key aims and purposes?
  • How are you looking to grow and develop WAI SG in the future?
  • Why is partnering with Aviation Festival Asia important? Is there anything you’re looking to achieve achieve at the event in March?

Join us at Aviation Festival Asia 2026!

Watch the other pre-Aviation Festival Asia interviews here: