17/06/2026
Did you know? 🌍✈️
Before many countries had even begun encouraging women to pursue careers in aviation, an Ethiopian woman was already making history in the skies.
Amsale Gualu became Africa’s first female commercial jet captain in 1980.
Her journey began when she joined Ethiopian Airlines as a pilot at a time when aviation was overwhelmingly dominated by men. Many doubted that women could handle the demands of flying large commercial aircraft. Amsale proved them wrong.
Through years of dedication, training, and perseverance, she rose through the ranks and eventually became captain of a commercial jet, breaking a barrier that had never been broken before on the continent.
But her achievement was bigger than a title.
For countless young African girls, she became living proof that there are no professions reserved for one gender. Her success opened doors and inspired future generations of women to pursue careers in aviation, engineering, and other fields where women had long been underrepresented.
Today, when we see African women flying aircraft, leading airlines, and shaping the future of aviation, we are witnessing part of a legacy that pioneers like Amsale Gualu helped create.
Sometimes history isn’t made in parliaments or battlefields.
Sometimes it’s made 35,000 feet above the ground. ✨
Would you have guessed that Africa’s first female commercial jet captain was Ethiopian?
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