Miss Aviation eyes equality in the travel biz

2015 MISS Aviation Cleo Margaret Brown (left) and first runner-up Lizl Louise Resoles hold the new crown

With the Philippines’ global tourism campaign in full swing, and with domestic travels becoming even more popular, the local aviation industry is experiencing a major boost.

Because of this, stakeholders in the aviation biz are seeking an ambassador to further promote the industry.

Fourteen aspirants are vying for the 2016 Miss Aviation title, all hoping to become the new face of the industry, and to become a spokesperson to inspire the youth to join the aviation business.

Former beauty queen and entrepreneur Carla Cabrera is at the helm of this year’s search, spearheaded by celebrity-pilot Capt. Joy Roa.

“The winner should be captivating. She doesn’t have to be part of the industry, but it’s a plus if she is,” Cabrera told Inquirer Entertainment during the presentation of candidates at Shangri-La Plaza’s Shang Cineplex in Mandaluyong City recently.

Good rapport

“She should be able to relate to pilots, flight attendants and other industry stakeholders… It’s a big world. She should be able to establish good rapport in the different segments of this industry,” she added.

“Being Miss Aviation is a good opportunity; the winner will be exposed to the airline industry. If she decides to join the business, she will not find it hard getting employed,” Cabrera said.

Last year’s winner, Cleo Margaret Brown, said winning the title made her a “better person, more confident, more beautiful inside and out.”

The Avionics Technology student at the Asian College of Aeronautics said that her reign was an “eye-opening” experience.

“Being a student, I was only exposed to classroom training. Capt. Roa made me experience a lot of things. He made me go to Manila to talk to pilots and other industry experts,” she explained.

Brown said the crown is awarded to someone who can “inspire the younger generation to pursue a career in the aviation industry, and to empower women in the male-dominated field.”

She said: “Being Miss Aviation is not just about being pretty. It is mostly acting as an ambassador to make people interested in the aviation industry.”

“The day after the coronation, the new winner and the Top 3 will participate in the Hot Air Balloon Festival in Clark (Pampanga),” Cabrera said.

Aircraft maintenance

After her reign, Brown said she is looking forward to receiving her college degree in March and landing a job as an aircraft maintenance specialist.

“A lot of people are encouraging me to become a flight attendant, but I want to join the industry using the things I learned in school,” she explained.

MISS Aviation 2016 finalists

She also said she isn’t closing her doors on a possible acting career, or competing in another pageant in the future.

The Miss Aviation 2016 coronation ceremony will be held at the Peninsula Manila’s Rigodon Ballroom in Makati City Tuesday night.