On Saturday, October 10, the passenger terminal of Zagreb International Airport hosted Croatia’s first Aviation Ball, a gala event that brought together representatives of the aviation industry, business community, educational institutions, and public life. Organized by Women in Aviation Croatia (WIAC), the event had a charitable purpose, aiming to raise funds to provide financial assistance to female students attending aviation secondary schools in Croatia.

Held under the motto The Sky Was Never the Limit, the event drew inspiration from the golden age of aviation, particularly the aesthetics of the 1960s. For the occasion, Zagreb Airport’s passenger terminal was transformed into an elegant venue celebrating aviation heritage, music, and charitable initiatives.

The date of the event also carried symbolic significance, as 2026 marks the 90th anniversary of Croatia’s first female pilot earning her pilot qualification in 1936. The Aviation Ball also took place on the anniversary of the first informal gathering of women in aviation, which subsequently led to the establishment of WIAC.

Eva Pavić, President of Women in Aviation Croatia, emphasized that the association’s primary objective is to connect aviation professionals, educational institutions, and the industry while creating tangible opportunities for the professional development of future generations.

“Women in Aviation Croatia is not exclusively an association for women, nor is our work intended solely for women. However, we primarily operate through an existing, strong, yet insufficiently connected network of women. We want to connect people, knowledge, and opportunities, regardless of background, and become an organization that delivers concrete results rather than mere declarations. If certain doors have opened for us, it is our responsibility to keep them open and allow another hundred people to pass through,” Pavić stated.

She emphasized that raising funds to provide one-time financial assistance to female aviation students represents only the beginning of a broader initiative. The association’s long-term objective is to establish a structured mentoring network that will support young women throughout their education, employment, and subsequent professional development in aviation.

The Aviation Ball also received international support. Prominent female professionals holding senior positions in international aviation organizations and airports addressed attendees through video messages, highlighting the importance of education, mentorship, and creating professional opportunities for women in the aviation industry.

The event was also supported by Croatian President Zoran Milanović, who did not attend the ceremony in person. Among the distinguished guests was Danica Baričević, representing the Speaker of the Croatian Parliament.

A special part of the program was dedicated to cooperation with Velika Gorica, a city whose development has been closely linked to aviation for decades. As the Velika Gorica – City of Aviation initiative celebrates its tenth anniversary, a Charter of Friendship was signed between the initiative and Women in Aviation Croatia, establishing a foundation for future joint projects.

Juraj Odrčić, Head of the Velika Gorica – City of Aviation initiative and representative of the Mayor of Velika Gorica, recalled that the initiative has brought together numerous aviation stakeholders over the past decade. Among its most significant achievements, he highlighted the organization of the AIRVG airshow.

“This year, Women in Aviation Croatia joined the initiative, something we are particularly proud of. To mark its introduction, the association organized a charity ball aimed at supporting girls pursuing education in aviation professions, including students of the aviation technical school in Velika Gorica,” Odrčić stated.

The evening’s entertainment featured performances by the Croatian Armed Forces Jazz Orchestra, accompanied by vocalist Adalbert Turner Juci, as well as Martin Kosovec, winner of the fourth season of The Voice Croatia. Kosovec himself has a connection to aviation, having previously attended the Aviation Technical School in Velika Gorica. The culinary experience was created by chef Melkior Bašić, who developed a special concept entitled Flying Buffet.

The funds raised will be allocated to one-time financial assistance for female students attending aviation secondary schools. Meanwhile, the association’s future activities will focus on developing a mentoring network connecting secondary school and university students, educational institutions, and professionals working across different sectors of the aviation industry.

By organizing Croatia’s first Aviation Ball, WIAC aims to establish a new platform for connecting the national aviation community, with particular emphasis on education and the professional development of future generations. Whether the initiative develops into a long-term support program for young female aviation professionals will largely depend on continued cooperation between educational institutions, the industry, and other organizations involved in the project.