Aisha Jibreel Alexander: Fostering Aviation Safety and the Role of Women in Aviation
An impactful aviation leader, a FAA and GCC Commercial Pilot, sought-after speaker, and a strong voice for women’s empowerment, Aisha Jibreel Alexander’s journey has been defined by resilience and a vision for growth. Being dedicated to advancing aviation safety, her contributions have been recognized globally, offering her crucial roles and honors in the field, including being a member of the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS), and the 99s Woman in aviation Session Africa.
Empowering the next generation leaders, especially women, to take up roles in aviation with confidence and resilience, alongside her ambition to pursue research in Human Factors, Aisha Jibreel Alexander is playing an instrumental role in advancing aviation safety and inspiring countless lives in the process.
Career Trajectory of Aisha Jibreel Alexander
We started the interview by asking, “Could you share some background about yourself, including your early life and educational journey?”
Aisha shared, “Born in Medellín, Colombia, I have dedicated my professional life to aviation, safety, and leadership across international platforms. Academically, I hold a dual Master’s degree in Aviation Safety and Human Factors from Emirates Aviation University (UAE) in partnership with Coventry University (UK). After qualifying as a pilot, I built my career in the Middle East, flying for Etihad Airways, one of the world’s leading airlines. This experience not only advanced my flying career but also shaped my vision of safety as the cornerstone of sustainable aviation.
Beyond the airlines, I also served as Director of Safety for the Coca-Cola Aviation Department, applying human factors and safety management systems to corporate aviation operations. These roles highlighted the importance of adapting safety practices across diverse sectors of aviation.
Currently, I am preparing to continue my research journey by pursuing a PhD in Human Factors, as an extension of my commitment to advancing aviation safety through both practice and scholarship.”
Milestones in the Journey
Intrigued to learn about the major achievements in the professional journey of Aisha Jibreel Alexander, we asked, “Tell us more about your achievements that shaped your work approach and led you to the current position.”
She mentioned, “My work and contributions have been recognized internationally. In 2013, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) acknowledged my achievements in education and safety records. In 2021, I was honored with the AeroTime Global Award for my influence in aviation and my advocacy for women in the field. That same year, I was appointed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) as Safety Secretary for the North American Region, a role that allowed me to contribute to shaping international safety policies and cross-border collaboration.
I have also been invited to key international forums: as a speaker at the Dubai Airshow conference in 2017, a contributor at the Aviation Summit in 2018, and a speaker at the IAMC International Aviation Management Conference in 2022. Each of these platforms has allowed me to advance the conversation on aviation safety, diversity, and leadership.
In addition, my memoir, ‘From Ashes: The Ascent to Save Icarus’ will soon be published worldwide, reflecting my journey not only as a pilot and leader, but my commitment to resilience and advocacy throughout the process as well.”
Core Values that Reflect Aisha Jibreel Alexander’s Approach
We further asked, “What core values guide you forward in your professional journey?”
“Resilience has been a defining theme throughout my journey. As a single mother, I have balanced the demands of a global aviation career and advanced education with raising my son. In this mission, I was strongly supported by my own mother, who passed on to me a legacy of academic discipline and family values that continue to guide both my professional and personal life.
I am known for my positive attitude, smile, and encouragement to others, as well as my determination in never taking ‘no’ as an answer. These qualities led to the creation of my professional brand, Aishathepilot, which has become a symbol of resilience, advocacy, and inspiration,” Aisha reflected.
Advocating Strong Women Leaders
Aisha Jibreel Alexander is well-known for her strong advocacy for women’s empowerment. Intrigued to learn about her initiatives for empowering women, we requested her to share the same.
She explained, “Promoting women in aviation has been central to my mission. I have worked with the Ninety-Nines (99s) Women in Aviation, first with the Arabia Section and now with the African Section, supporting mentorship and representation. I always look forward to inspiring new generations, particularly women leaders of tomorrow, to pursue careers in aviation with confidence and resilience.”
Plans for Professional Growth
To get a glimpse of Aisha Jibreel Alexander’s professional plans for the upcoming days, we asked her to share them.
She commented, “I envision continuing to advance aviation safety, contributing to global research in human factors, and inspiring new generations—especially women—to pursue careers in aviation with confidence, resilience, and vision.”
To learn more about Aisha Jibreel Alexander’s journey, connect with her on LinkedIn and Instagram.
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