Aviadoras Worldwide envisions

Aviadoras Worldwide is dedicated to empowering and supporting underrepresented Latin women to soar to new heights in the field of aviation. Our mission is to cultivate a community of aspiring women pilots, providing them with the tools, mentorship, and opportunities needed to thrive in the aviation industry.

Mission

Aviadoras Worldwide is dedicated to empowering and supporting underrepresented Latin women to soar to new heights in the field of aviation.

Vision Statement

Aviadoras Worldwide envisions a world where Latin women, regardless of geographical borders, stand proudly as accomplished leaders and pioneers in the aviation industry.

About our Founder

The dream of flying has been part of my goals and my life project since my childhood.

Mission

Established by Mayra Bustamante, a trailblazing female airline pilot, our organization is committed to breaking barriers and fostering diversity in aviation. Through a network that spans across regions, Aviadoras Worldwide seeks to inspire, connect, and advance Latin women pursuing careers as pilots.

Since 2023, Aviadoras Worldwide has been a catalyst for change, organizing annual events, regional gatherings, and networking sessions to facilitate the exchange of ideas and insights among our members. We believe that by fostering a supportive community, we can amplify the voices of Latin women in aviation and aerospace.

Our members serve as powerful role models, demonstrating that the sky is not the limit for aspiring women in aviation. Additionally, Aviadoras Worldwide is devoted to encouraging the next generation of Latin women to pursue their dreams through our Scholarship Program, providing financial support and mentorship to those entering the aviation and aerospace industries.

Join us as we pave the way for a future where Latin women are not only present but thriving in the cockpit and beyond. Together, we aim to make aviation more inclusive and diverse, ensuring that every woman has the opportunity to spread her wings and soar to new horizons.

Established by Mayra Bustamante

A trailblazing female airline pilot, our organization is committed to breaking barriers and fostering diversity in aviation. Through a network that spans across regions, Aviadoras Worldwide seeks to inspire, connect, and advance Latin women pursuing careers as pilots.

Vision Statement

Aviadoras Worldwide envisions a world where Latin women, regardless of geographical borders, stand proudly as accomplished leaders and pioneers in the aviation industry. We aspire to create a global network that empowers and uplifts Latin women in the United States, South America, and beyond, fostering a culture of inclusivity, opportunity, and excellence.

In our vision, every Latin woman with a passion for aviation has the resources and support needed to break through barriers and reach new heights in her career. We see a future where the skies are filled with diverse voices and where Latin women pilots serve as inspirations and mentors for generations to come.

Through our united efforts, Aviadoras Worldwide strives to bridge gaps, cultivate collaboration, and eliminate disparities in the aviation field. Our commitment extends to communities in the United States, South America, and worldwide, ensuring that Latin women everywhere have equal access to education, mentorship, and opportunities in aviation.

As we work towards this vision, we envision a global landscape where the contribution of Latin women is celebrated and recognized, ultimately reshaping the narrative of diversity in the aviation and aerospace industries. Together, we are forging a path where every Latin woman can confidently spread her wings and soar into a future of boundless possibilities.

About our Founder

The dream of flying has been part of my goals and my life project since my childhood. Despite the few opportunities and the complexity of the path in all aspects - economic, social, and professional - I have worked hard to achieve my goals. I started as a flight dispatcher while I was studying to obtain my degree and my Commercial Pilot license.

My efforts and hard work paid off when I managed to join a reputable cargo airline in Mexico with large aircraft and a complex operation that demanded excellence. From there, I began to grow professionally, expanding my knowledge and expertise. Upon leaving my country, I realized that I had the ability to adapt to different environments and face all of the challenges that came with my role.

Over the course of fifteen years as a pilot, both in Mexico and Chile, I have taken advantage of every opportunity that has allowed me to grow and successfully become an Airline Captain with 1,500 hours in command and a total flight time of 9,600 hours on heavy 767 and 777 aircraft around the world. Proudly I can say I was the first female pilot to fly in a cargo airline in Chile and, years later, became the first female Captain in a cargo aircraft in this country, opening up the possibilities for more women in the industry and becoming a reference for young girls.

I have received recognition for my excellent work, great people skills, and professionalism from the companies I have worked for, as well as from my fellow aviators. In 2012, while flying with MasAir, I had the opportunity to participate in the filming of an episode of National Geographic’s program ‘Cargas Imposibles’ (Impossible Loads). This episode focused on the first cargo flight in Mexico commanded by three female pilots.

We transported radioactive material between Mexico and Colombia under challenging conditions due to volcanic ash presence. Later in 2012, I became the first woman to be accepted at LAN Cargo, a Chilean company, to fly a Boeing 777 around the world. In recognition of my four years of service as a First Officer in the company, I received an award in 2016 for my dedication and contribution.

In 2021, I made history by becoming the first female Captain at LATAM Cargo. As a result, LATAM’s Director of Operations interviewed me, and this interview was later published in the company’s internal news. I shared my career journey to inspire and encourage other women to pursue professional growth. Additionally, a year after my promotion to Captain, I was recognized by the company as a ‘Service Leader.’ This prestigious award is given to LATAM’s top employees for showing the company’s values and maintaining an excellent work history. In 2022, I received the top recognition that LATAM delivers to its employees.

In 2023, I had the honor of contributing a small testimony to a LATAM publication commemorating the ‘Day of Women Pilots in Chile.’ This publication highlighted women, including myself, who are considered to have made history in aviation in this country. It was a privilege to be part of this tribute to pioneering women in Chilean aviation.”