Wives and widows of Air Force personnel can now easily learn about corporate vacancies and apply for them sitting in their homes.

The Air Force Wives Welfare Association (AFWWA) and the ICICI Bank today joined hands to launch a dedicated placement website which would provide a platform to the members to accomplish their career ambitions.

The website www.afwwasercices.co.in was inaugurated by CEO and MD of ICICI Bank Chanda Kochhar at a function organised by the AFWWA.

"The website will help the wives and widows of the Air Force personnel pursue their career without compromising their other responsibilities," said Madhubaala Naik, AFWWA president.

Kochhar hailed the initiative, saying the website would help the AFWWA members get into the corporate sector.

Appreciating the efforts of AFWWA in educating differently-abled children, ICICI group donated Rs 20 lakh for the special schools 'Umeed'.

Speaking on the occasion, Air Force Chief P V Naik said the new initiative will contribute to empowerment of women and nation building.

"These women were earlier reluctant to come out of their houses. Now they can look forward to corporate jobs," he said.

To a question on phasing out of old aircraft, he said, "It is routine cycle. Every aircraft has a life of 30 to 40 years. By about 20 years of life, we have to start planning for further purchase....Twenty years ago our country did not have money. We would have liked to replace the older aircraft earlier. But now the process has been set in motion."

Asked if the services of Air Force should be utilised in the fight against Naxals, he said all such queries should be posed to the Home Ministry.

The new website would also provide range industry relevant courses and skills. Once a member submits her resume on the site, it will be automatically sent to the approval authority.

The website has separate log-in for employers and job seekers. It is expected to benefit 1.8 lakh members of AFWWA.