From left: Yvonne Sunga and Hidelina Patrimonio —CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS
MANILA, Philippines —Philippine Airlines’ very own Capt. Aimee Carandang-Gloria made history when she became the first woman in Southeast Asia to fly a commercial flight in 1989. She is also the first woman to be named captain in 1993 in the region—an incredible feat that celebrates the greatness of Filipinos and women.
Her success has paved the way for more female pilots to conquer the skies, including Capt. Yvonne Sunga and Capt. Hidelina Patrimonio.
“The first time I stepped into an aircraft, I knew this was it. This was what I wanted to do,” Sunga, who started as a PAL cabin crew member before becoming a pilot trainee, tells the Inquirer.
“But I’ve always looked ahead, searching for new challenges and ways to reach my full potential. That drive led me to apply for PAL’s pilot training program, and it set me on the path to where I am today,” she recalls.
For Patrimonio, becoming a pilot is a passion she discovered as a child. She pursued her dream right after earning her college degree.
“Reaching this dream is incredibly fulfilling, knowing that I get to do what I love every day,” she says.
The flag carrier is keen on training more female pilots in the hope of narrowing the gender gap in the male-dominated industry. To achieve this, the Lucio Tan-led airline has pledged P10 million to the PAL Foundation to provide scholarships to aspiring women pilots under the Fly With Her program.
READ: PAL takes flight for women pilots
Flag carrier —PHOTO FROM PHILIPPINE AIRLINES WEBSITE
Gender equality
The scholarship program is in line with the airline’s goal of promoting diversity, inclusion and gender equity.
PAL has over 80 female pilots, which represent only 9 percent of its current roster. Globally, only 6 percent of the pilots are women.
“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,” PAL vice president for marketing Alvin Miranda says.
The grant amounting to P2.5 million will be awarded to four female cadets who are qualified to undergo the aviation training.
The applicants must “demonstrate financial need and inability to fully fund aviation training, supported by appropriate documentation” like financial statements.
Requirements
In terms of qualification, she must have at least finished a college degree in the fields related to STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics). Of course, having a knack for aviation is a must as well.
The applicants, who exhibit leadership potential and exemplary conduct, must be able to complete the aviation training within 12 months.
Candidates may also undergo additional assessments, interviews or evaluations to get to know them better.
The final selection of the deserving applicants will be made by the airline’s president and board of directors.
Sunga and Patrimonio are grateful that PAL has shaped them into becoming the great pilots that they are now.
“Working with the company has helped me grow as a pilot, thanks to the continuous training programs that enhance our skills. Our leaders also provide the support and guidance we need to thrive in our profession,” Patrimonio says.
“Being in the cockpit of an aircraft is a privilege and a dream come true, knowing I represent a legacy of excellence in aviation,” she adds.
Moving forward, Sunga says she wants to inspire more women in achieving their dreams of flying a plane.
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“As I continue in this career, I want to pay it forward, and be able to inspire and help those who dream of flying, just as I once did. PAL has given me the opportunity to grow, and I hope to do the same for future aviators,” she says.
