History

Quick Facts

Who we are

Women in Aviation International (WAI) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing the number of women involved in all areas of aviation and aerospace. Learn more about the perks of WAI membership from the WAI infographic.

History

WAI began in 1990 at a meeting hosted by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University at its campus in Prescott, Arizona.  One hundred and fifty people attended that first gathering to discuss the challenges and opportunities in the aviation field as a way to encourage students to find their place in aviation. Later that year, the Aviation and Space Education Consortium was established as a nonprofit organization. The organization has evolved into Women in Aviation International, a global organization working to open opportunities for women in aviation and aerospace everywhere. 

Read about the history of WAI 

Membership Classification (percentage of members)

  • More than 20,000 active members
  • 51% Individual Members 
  • 9.5% International Members (Outside the U.S.)
  • 45% Student Members (College and University students)
  • Over 5,000 Junior Members (18 years old and younger)
  • Over 300 Corporate Members (Organizations/Corporations)
  • 85% women; 15% men

Member Benefits*

  • Aviation for Women, the official publication of Women in Aviation International
  • WAI Connect monthly electronic newsletter
  • Annual conference for WAI members in all fields of aviation and aerospace
  • Local chapters in communities around the world
  • Professional Development Education and outreach programs
  • Network base for personal and career development
  • Scholarships
  • Merchandise and services discounts
  • Aeromedical Advisory Partnership
  • Legal Advisory Program

*Corporate members receive additional benefits including exhibit discounts at the annual conference, the ability to post job openings, advertising discounts in Aviation for Women magazine, and listings in WAI publications.

Annual Conference

  • General sessions, professional development seminars, educational sessions, networking and tours
  • 5,000 attendees from more than a dozen countries around the world
  • Nearly 200 exhibitors featuring a wide variety of aviation businesses and employers
  • Special events, scholarship awards, Pioneer Hall of Fame induction ceremony

More Statistics

Women in Aviation 2019 Workforce Report

View Current Statistics of Women in Aviation Careers in U.S.