Aviation is still a segment of travel that can be male-dominated. In this interview with Travel Weekly, Krystle Ramirez-Gastrock , country manager for ANZ and Papa New Guinea at Philippine Airlines, speaks on the state of gender equality within the aviation industry.
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People talk about the airline industry being dominated by men. Is this true, and have you ever had any issues around this?
Yes, the airline industry has traditionally been male-dominated, especially in leadership roles and technical fields, particularly in the Philippines. But I’m happy to say that things are changing. Our company — Philippine Airlines– for instance, has really embraced the importance of empowering women. Overall, women make up 50 per cent of our total workforce – edging out men slightly – and about 46 per cent of our management ranks. The gender gap among pilots is larger – about 10 per cent of our pilots are female: 82 women in a total roster of nearly 740 pilots – but narrowing year by year as we take on more female pilots.
This year, we celebrated the fact that we now have female pilots in all ranks (captain, first officer, second officer) and operating all aircraft types across our fleet, from the smallest turboprop to the largest 777 and A350 aircraft. In general, we see more women taking on leadership positions and bringing new perspectives to the table.
Personally, I’ve never let the gender gap stop me. I’ve always focused on delivering results and building relationships that matter. Of course, there have been challenges along the way, but I’ve learned that persistence, confidence, and adaptability are key. I’ve also been lucky to have amazing mentors and supportive colleagues who’ve helped me grow.
I’m proud to be part of this evolving industry, and my hope is that I can inspire more women to take on leadership roles and help shape the future of aviation.
You’re a great public speaker. Is this a skill you have worked on?
Thank you! Honestly, I still get nervous when speaking in front of a crowd, so I don’t always see myself as a great public speaker. But working in customer-facing roles in aviation, hospitality, and tourism has definitely helped me build my confidence over the years.
Early on, I realized how important clear communication is, especially in leadership. It’s not just about talking—it’s about making sure people really understand your message. But it has to start within—knowing exactly what I want to say and who I’m talking to. That makes it feel more natural and helps me keep things relevant to the audience.
I also think being authentic and trying to connect with people on a personal level is key. Public speaking is something I’m always working on, and I’m always looking for ways to improve and grow.
What made you choose the airline industry for your career?
I’ve been traveling ever since I was a kid because my parents traveled a lot for work. Being on an aircraft always fascinated me—the idea of meeting different people, experiencing new cultures, and trying all kinds of food from around the world was so exciting. It just drew me in. After I finished university, I joined Philippine Airlines, and I never looked back!
What really hooked me was seeing how much tourism contributes to the Philippines’ economy. I realized I could be part of something bigger—helping people explore new destinations and create unforgettable memories. The industry is always evolving, and I love the challenge of adapting to new markets, shifting customer needs, and the latest tech. It keeps things interesting and exciting!
What is one change you’d like to see in the airline industry?
I love the airline industry the way it is! I wish only that it isn’t as vulnerable to cyclical ups and downs – it takes years to build up fleets, networks and products, only to be shaken up by recessions, wars, calamities, and other world events (like the pandemic!). But that’s the reality we live with.
Yet I hope that aviation, with its global scope and country-to-country connections, can somehow contribute to unity and a shared perspective among people from different countries, along with a greater appreciation of the beauty of diversity and multicultural encounters.
This interview is part of our Women in Travel series ahead of the 2024 Women in Travel Awards. The awards celebrate women who have achieved astronomic success in their professional arenas, celebrating their invaluable contribution to the industry through leadership, innovation and courage.
This year the theme is ‘Follow her lead’ and we’ll be championing the power of community and women in the industry working together to create the best experiences possible for Australian travellers.
Buy your tickets HERE.
