Girls in Aviation Day drives global effort to change the status quo

For an event that started as an initiative to introduce young girls to aviation, Girls in Aviation Day (GIAD) has grown into an international movement that empowers young girls and women around the world to pursue careers in the industry.

Established by non-profit organization, Women in Aviation, International, GIAD marked its 12th anniversary on September 19, 2026. On that day, WAI chapters and corporate members hosted 200 GIAD-focused events at airports, FBOs, museums and hangars throughout the United States, Europe, Africa, and Asia.

Designed to introduce youth aged 8-18 to aviation and aerospace through hands-on activities, role models and STEAM fun, these events collectively attract tens of thousands of attendees.

But why does early exposure to the industry matter?

For many young girls, aviation and aerospace seem out of reach, which is not true. There are opportunities across flight operations, engineering and airspace management.

“When a girl sees herself in this industry for the first time, it can change the entire course of her life,” says WAI chief executive officer Lynda Coffman.

This year’s events began on a positive note with a $10,000 grant from the International Society of Transport Aircraft Trading (ISTAT) Foundation to support WAI’s mission.

“We are deeply grateful to the ISTAT Foundation for investing in that moment of possibility and in the future of aviation and aerospace,” Coffman says.

Standing out as a highlight of the events globally were the connections made between girls and women in the industry. For instance, the Lone Star Flight Museum in Houston, Texas says GIAD participants were able to get up close to a real ILC Dover space suit, watch drone soccer, and code a robot.

Returning fan favorites included tours inside visiting aircraft, flight simulators, and a career and college fair where participants connected with aviation, aerospace, education and military professionals eager to share insights and aviation-related college, technical education and career opportunities. The Houston event was sponsored by ExxonMobil.

A UK-based chapter of WAI called the Global Explorers of Aerospace Revolution (GEAR) hosted its annual GIAD event at the AirTanker Hub, located at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire. It welcomed 75 girls aged 13-18 to the Hub, where they explored aircraft, met role models and learned about aviation careers.

Speaking with Runway Girl Network, GEAR chapter spokesperson Nyasha Manyika said: “What makes this year particularly special is that we are taking these opportunities to communities across Africa too.”

She added that GIAD 2026 is personally important to her because it’s about both exposure and creating a lasting impact. Indeed, the real impact lies in what happens after the events.

For aviation, the question is not just about whether girls can aspire to a career as a pilot, engineer, technician or leader, but if the industry has what it takes to retain them.