Shannon, Co. Clare became the centre of Ireland’s aviation community on 20th September 2025, when the Women in Aviation International (WAI) Ireland Chapter welcomed more than 50 young women and girls to the Shannon Aviation Museum for Girls in Aviation Day 2025.
Now in its 11th year, the event continues to grow in scope and ambition. This year’s programme, made possible with the generous support of Stellaer 212 and ASG, offered participants a chance to step inside the world of aviation — not as passengers, but as future professionals.
Stellaer 212 flew Pilatus PC-12 EI-NGX, under flight number EIX2GIA (Girls in Aviation) to EINN for the event. The girls got to climb on board and experience what it would be like to either pilot an executive aircraft, or own one! They debated which they would prefer.
One of the most powerful aspects of Girls in Aviation Day is the chance to meet role models face-to-face. For many attendees, hearing the stories of women who have carved out careers in aviation was the highlight of the day. Pilots, engineers, air traffic controllers, cabin crew, amateur pilots and other aviation professionals were on-hand to talk about their career path and the day-to-day elements of their jobs.
Jane Magill, President of the Ireland Chapter of WAI, captured the spirit of the event: “Girls in Aviation Day is about showing young women the opportunities that are available to them. Thanks to the support of Stellaer 212, ASG, and Shannon Aviation Museum for making this event possible. Other local organisations also gave their time and support to the girls such as ELFC, Air Nav, SES, AerCap, Irish Air Corps, ASL and Atlantic Flight Training Academy. Additionally, the WAI-Ireland Chapter women and other volunteer women aviation professionals in aviation were on-hand to give their time and expertise to the girls on the day. We’ve been able to connect future aviators with role models and opportunities that can shape their careers and lives.”
Girls in Aviation Day is part of a worldwide initiative led by Women in Aviation International (WAI). Each year, WAI chapters across more than 30 countries host similar events, reaching thousands of young women and encouraging them to consider aviation as a career. WAI-Ireland Chapter is actively recruiting members. Members’ benefits include networking events, mentoring programmes, and access to scholarship funds. 2 WAI members received funding to attend courses in University of Limerick last year!
To learn more about future events or to get involved with the Ireland Chapter of WAI, visit the chapter’s Facebook or LinkedIn pages.
