Press Releases

#HonorTheWASP with WAI

2020-05-18 (All day)

Visit a WASP gravesite to honor a WASP

Women in Aviation International (WAI) members and friends will honor the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) by visiting their graves and leaving an appropriate decoration in the form of flowers or other remembrances. In its third year, the #HonorTheWASP program was originally envisioned to take place over the Memorial Day weekend each year. In an effort to allow participants to observe best social-distancing practices, WAI offers that large groups can be easily avoided by visiting gravesites over the next two weeks as opposed to just on Monday, May 25 th , Memorial Day.

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WAI CEO ALLISON MCKAY APPOINTED TO WOMEN IN AVIATION ADVISORY BOARD

2020-05-15 (All day)

Group to work towards encouraging more women to consider careers in aviation

Women in Aviation International (WAI) is proud to announce the appointment of WAI CEO Allison McKay to the newly formed Women in Aviation Advisory Board. The 30 board members were appointed today by U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao and will sit for approximately two years.

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WAI to Host Virtual SNF Connect Lunch Featuring Impressive Speaker Lineup

2020-05-06 (All day)

WAI brings fun, engagement, and inspiration to all in the absence of in-person Sun ‘n Fun 2020

In lieu of the annual WAI Connect Lunch held at Sun ‘n Fun each year in Lakeland, Florida, Women in Aviation International (WAI), will hold a virtual Connect Event on Friday, May 8 at Noon EDT. Sponsored by Piedmont Airlines, the panel features an impressive lineup of female leaders and role models in aviation, with stories that are as inspiring and captivating virtually as they would have been in person at #SNF20.

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WAI CEO's Message On COVID-19

2020-03-17 (All day)

These are challenging and uncharted times for our more than 15,000 members around the world. But with our usual WAI camaraderie and desire to connect, engage, and inspire, we are ready to assist you.

The safety of the WAI staff is my first priority, therefore, the headquarters office in West Alexandria, Ohio, is closed until further notice and all staff members are working remotely. All WAI staff email addresses are available on our website. As we plan our spring and summer events, we will adhere to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization guidance...
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WAI 2020 Conference Hosts Record Number of Attendees & Exhibitors

2020-03-08 (All day)

Three days focused on workforce issues, professional development & education seminars, and Girls in Aviation Day Orlando, Florida

Women in Aviation International held another successful annual gathering during the 31st Annual International Women in Aviation Conference at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, March 5-7, 2020. With its unique blend of top-notch speakers, busy exhibit hall, an array of education sessions, and more than 100 scholarship awards, the WAI 2020 conference delivered numerous opportunities to connect and network with female peers in the aviation and aerospace industry.

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WAI-University of Nebraska Omaha Studies Seek to Build Women in Aviation Ranks

2020-03-06 (All day)

Results to inform recruitment strategies and retention of women in aviation

Recognizing the global aviation industry is facing an unprecedented challenge to meet the hiring needs of aviation professionals in the workforce, Women in Aviation International worked with Dr. Becky Lutte, Associate Professor, University of Nebraska at Omaha Aviation Institute, on a series of studies to provide a current look at where the gaps in employment are for women in aviation. Together, the study results can be used by aviation companies and organizations globally to guide recruitment and retention strategies of women in their workforce.

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WAI and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to Launch Free Online Course For Girls Ages 8-17

2020-03-02 (All day)

Self-Paced Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) to inspire the next generation of aviation professionals

In celebration of Women in Aviation International’s expanding Girls in Aviation Day, WAI and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University are pleased to announce a new, self-paced Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) tailored to learners ages 8-17. The free course leverages Embry-Riddle expertise and instructional design to inspire the next generation of aviation professionals.

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WAI Acknowledges Sad Passing of Matt Zuccaro, HAI Longtime Leader

2020-02-26 (All day)

Women in Aviation International acknowledges today’s sad news that Matthew Zuccaro, the immediate past president and CEO of Helicopter Association International, has passed away.

HAI has been a long-time WAI supporter as a corporate member as well as an exhibitor and participant at WAI conferences and events.

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WAI Board Appoints Allison McKay New CEO To Lead Strategic Vision

2020-02-10 10:00

Fundraising, Strategic Planning, & Workforce Development Are Priorities

The WAI Board of Directors is pleased to announce Allison McKay will join Women in Aviation International as CEO on February 18, 2020, and is responsible for the future strategic vision of the 14,500-member strong organization while overseeing the board of directors, professional staff, and daily operations. She previously served as vice president of the Helicopter Association International Foundation since 2015 commissioning the first academic study of staffing projections for the rotorcraft industry as well as creating a workforce development initiative. Allison will draw from more than 20 years of experience in the development and implementation of highly strategic initiatives with other aviation companies including Safran USA and B/E Aerospace.

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Amber Smith, Combat Helicopter Pilot and Author, Confirmed as Speaker for WAI 2020 Conference

2020-02-07 (All day)

Already impressive speaker roster augmented further for 31 st Annual WAI Conference

Amber Smith, combat helicopter pilot and author of Danger Close: My Epic Journey as a Combat Helicopter Pilot in Iraq and Afghanistan has been confirmed as a speaker for the 31 st Annual Women in Aviation International Conference, augmenting an incredible roster of speakers. Amber joins Secretary of the U.S. Airforce Barbara Barrett, Stephanie Chung, JetSuite president; Col. Eileen Collins, NASA astronaut; Maj. Gen. Jeannie Leavitt, U.S. Air Force; and Joan Robinson-Berry, Boeing Global Services vice president & chief engineer, as keynote speakers for the March 5-7, 2020, Conference at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.

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Benefits of a WAI Membership

WAI members seek to inspire and stand for encouragement, continued education, and a whole lot of fun! If you’re a lover of all things aviation and aerospace, and enjoy sharing your passion with others, we’d love to have you! Membership includes job search opportunities, scholarship opportunities, access to mentors in your industry, and much more.

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