As the world marks International Women’s Day 2026, with the theme: “Give To Gain”, the Director, Flight Operations, Aero Contractors, Captain Imoleayo Adebule, has reflected on her journey in aviation, the growing presence of women in the cockpit, and the evolving opportunities for young Nigerians aspiring to become pilots.
Captain Adebule said her passion for flying began early while growing up in Zaria, where proximity to the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology helped shape her interest in aviation.
From those early influences, she built a career that has progressed from serving as a line pilot to occupying a key management role overseeing flight operations.
According to her, the most significant change in her career has been the transition from simply flying aircraft to managing people and operations within the airline.
She described the journey as one marked by growth, experience and gratitude.
While aviation has long been perceived as a male-dominated field, Captain Adebule noted that the industry has witnessed steady progress in the inclusion of women.
She observed that more women now occupy leadership roles across airlines, including positions as chief executives, managing directors like the MD FAAN Mrs Olubunmi Kuku and senior operational leaders.
Despite the progress, she said passengers are sometimes still surprised to see women in the cockpit.
However, she believes such reactions are gradually fading as more female pilots continue to break barriers and demonstrate competence in the profession.
One of her most memorable flying experiences, she recalled, was during her time as a co-pilot when she flew alongside a female captain.
The flight presented operational challenges, but the professionalism and teamwork displayed in the cockpit left a lasting impression on her career.
Captain Adebule also recounted the experience of participating in an all-female crew flight organized by Aero Contractors more than a decade ago, when every member of the flight team, from the captain and co-pilot to the cabin crew and even the aircraft engineer was a woman.
She described the moment as both historic and inspiring.
Currently flying the Boeing 737, Captain Adebule advised young women aspiring to become pilots to remain focused, disciplined and committed.
She noted that aviation is a profession built around precision and time, requiring dedication and consistent training to maintain safety standards.
On the challenges pilots face in the air, she explained that regular training prepares crews to handle difficult weather conditions and unexpected situations.
The pilot recalled a particularly demanding flight into Lagos during heavy rainfall, when careful navigation and teamwork ensured a safe landing, earning applause from passengers.
Beyond the cockpit, Captain Adebule emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance between professional responsibilities and personal life, noting that rest and self-awareness are essential to sustaining productivity in such a demanding career.
For young Nigerians interested in aviation, she explained that entry into the profession begins with training at accredited flying schools such as the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology in Zaria, where students obtain a Commercial Pilot Licence and additional ratings before moving on to airline-specific aircraft training.
Addressing concerns about employment opportunities for newly trained pilots, captain Adebule said the issue should be viewed in a broader industry context.
She noted that the use of foreign-registered aircraft sometimes requires foreign crews, but expressed optimism that increased acquisition of locally registered aircraft would expand opportunities for Nigerian pilots.
According to her, the situation regarding expatriate pilots has also improved significantly over the years, with many Nigerian-registered aircraft now operated largely by local professionals.
Captain Adebule stressed that with continued growth in the aviation sector and greater inclusion of women, the future holds promising opportunities for the next generation of Nigerian aviators.
Reporting By Nosa Aituamen