WAISL’s Black Box Challenge Unites Aviation Industry
By Noeli Jesudas
Bringing together professionals, students and enthusiasts from across the aviation industry, the inaugural Black Box Challenge 2026 marked an important milestone for Women in Aviation International – Sri Lanka Chapter (WAISL). Held at Shangri-La Colombo, the event welcomed 21 teams for a day of competition, knowledge-sharing, networking and fundraising, demonstrating how a shared passion for aviation can bring together an industry that spans multiple disciplines.
Aviation is an industry built on precision, collaboration and continuous learning. From the cockpit to aircraft engineering, air traffic control and aviation education, every sector plays a role in keeping the industry moving. Yet, opportunities for professionals across these different fields to connect beyond their immediate circles remain valuable. The Black Box Challenge sought to bridge that gap, creating a space where participants could exchange knowledge, build relationships and celebrate the breadth of Sri Lanka’s aviation community.
WAISL, the Sri Lankan chapter of Women in Aviation International (WAI), is dedicated to advancing women in aviation and aerospace. As WAI Chapter #177, the organisation works to promote education, mentorship, professional development and opportunities for women to enter and thrive in the industry. Its initiatives reflect a wider commitment to building a more inclusive aviation sector, one in which talent is encouraged and potential is given room to grow.
With Shangri-La Colombo as the Platinum Sponsor, the event brought together teams representing piloting, aircraft engineering, air traffic control (ATC), General Sales Agents (GSA), airlines, aircraft manufacturing, travel and aviation education. The diversity of participants was central to the event’s purpose. Beyond testing industry knowledge, the challenge encouraged people with different areas of expertise to learn from one another and recognise how their individual roles contribute to the larger aviation ecosystem.
Led by veteran quizmaster Shehan Kumar, the competition featured carefully curated questions covering aviation history, technical knowledge, operations, geography and other aspects of the industry. Participants were challenged to draw on their expertise while navigating questions that demanded knowledge extending beyond their own specialisations. The format offered an engaging reminder that staying curious and continuing to learn are essential in an industry shaped by innovation and evolving standards.
The competition also included a dedicated award for the highest-scoring all-female team, highlighting WAISL’s commitment to encouraging greater female participation in aviation. Representation matters, particularly in industries where aspiring professionals benefit from seeing women take on different technical, operational and leadership roles. By recognising the achievements of an all-female team, the event reinforced the importance of creating spaces where women can demonstrate their capabilities, build confidence and inspire others to consider careers across aviation.
The main quiz competition saw Mack Air (Pvt) Ltd emerge as champions, taking home a cash prize of LKR 100,000 and hotel-stay vouchers from Thema Collection. Team Xtreme, representing Horizon Group USA, the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka and John Keells Holdings, secured first runner-up, receiving LKR 75,000 and vouchers from Jetwing Vertical. “Rejected Takeoff”, representing the SriLankan Airlines Aircraft Engineers’ Guild, finished as second runner-up, winning LKR 50,000 and Hilton vouchers. Special recognition was also given to teams whose participation added to the spirit of the challenge. Team Co-Pilots was recognised as the first team to register, receiving Misfits Pickleball vouchers. MCAS Aviators from Millennium College of Aviation Studies earned the award for the highest-scoring all-girls team, receiving vouchers from Manicured and Paan Paan.
The audience quiz offered another opportunity for attendees to participate, extending the competitive spirit beyond the teams on stage. Bhagya Kodituwakku of Advantis Aviation claimed first place, winning Jetwing Blue lunch vouchers. Nimeth Navarathne of OpenSkies secured second place, receiving Cinnamon Life dinner vouchers, while Dewni Gunawardena, a student at NEXT Campus, placed third and won a 25% scholarship from Millennium College of Aviation Studies.
The raffle draw added another highlight to the event, with Rylee Nimalsiri of Rylee’s Aero Models winning a SriLankan Airlines ticket and CINEC student Nehan Perera receiving a FitsAir ticket.
However, the Black Box Challenge was about more than identifying the strongest quiz team. An important part of the initiative was its fundraising objective, with proceeds supporting the WAISL Welfare Fund. The fund contributes to future initiatives focused on education, mentorship, professional development and career opportunities for women in aviation. These areas are essential to helping aspiring professionals access the knowledge, guidance and opportunities needed to build sustainable careers.
A silent auction featuring model aircraft provided an additional fundraising opportunity, with all proceeds directed towards the fund. For an organisation focused on empowering women across the aviation community, initiatives such as this help turn a shared vision into practical opportunities for future generations. The event also included a dedicated networking session, allowing participants, industry leaders, students and partners to connect beyond their respective professional fields.
The inaugural challenge was made possible through the support of a wide network of sponsors and partners. Alongside Platinum Sponsor Shangri-La Colombo, Gold Sponsors Thema Collection and Pelican Island, Silver Sponsor Hayleys–Advantis Aviation Services, and Bronze Sponsors SriLankan Airlines, Jetwing Hotels, Millennium College of Aviation Studies, FitsAir, Classic Travels and Mack Air contributed to the event’s success.
WAISL also acknowledged its valued partners, Cinnamon Life, Paan Paan, Misfits, Manicured, Hilton and Aviation Voice, whose support helped bring the initiative together. The participation of organisations across different areas of aviation and hospitality reflected the collaborative spirit at the heart of the challenge.
Adding an international perspective to the occasion, Lynda Coffman, CEO of Women in Aviation International, shared a special message recognising the importance of creating opportunities for women across the global aviation community. Her message reinforced the relevance of initiatives that connect local efforts with a broader movement to support women's participation and professional growth in aviation and aerospace.
The success of the inaugural Black Box Challenge has established the event as an annual fixture on WAISL’s calendar. Its introduction offers a promising platform for strengthening industry relationships, encouraging knowledge-sharing and raising funds for initiatives that support women in aviation. More importantly, it demonstrates that professional development and inclusion can be pursued through experiences that bring people together in an engaging and meaningful way.
As Sri Lanka’s aviation sector continues to draw on the expertise of professionals across multiple disciplines, opportunities to collaborate, exchange ideas and nurture emerging talent remain invaluable. Through the Black Box Challenge and its wider work, WAISL continues to champion its vision to Rise. Empower. Inspire. The challenge may have tested participants on what they knew about aviation, but its broader achievement lay in bringing the industry closer together and helping create more opportunities for those who will shape its future.
