Cyclone Freddy -Malawi 2023
The African Section 99s worked alongside rescue teams, coordinating efforts with Al-Imdaad Foundation, One Humanity, AMRA, the South African Rescue Team, British Military, British High Commission, DODMA, Malawi Defence Force, Tanzania People’s Defence Force, Zambia Defence Force, African Parks, and Fabian Alvares. Two teams, air and ground, carried out assessments to determine the extent of damage, flooding, inaccessible areas, and to locate stranded individuals. One team travelled by road to Chikwawa, while the second conducted aerial reconnaissance. With support from African Parks and Captain Orton Bosman, a helicopter was used to obtain vital aerial imagery. Ground photos show severe destruction from Kamuzu View Point to Chikwawa, including a collapsed bridge, swiftly rebuilt by Mkaka Construction Company Ltd, restoring access to affected communities.
The African Section 99s visited Champhanda village camp in Chikwawa District, where families displaced by Cyclone Freddy and previous floods have sought refuge. Relief packs containing essential food items and household supplies were distributed, providing vital support to residents as they rebuild their lives. Heartfelt thanks go to our donors, whose generosity made this assistance possible.
Farnborough Airshow July 2022
An exciting and inspiring few days were spent at the Farnborough International Airshow, filled with meaningful conversations, powerful advocacy, and memorable moments.
A key highlight was the Women in Aviation & Aerospace Charter – The Debate, expertly moderated by Sumati Sharma and Victoria Foy. Inspirational contributions from Sir Stephen Hillier, Mary FitzPatrick, Adrian Binfield, and Oriel Petry sparked an engaging discussion on the importance of data collection, target setting, and driving real progress in diversity across the aviation and aerospace sectors.
At the Careers Hub, African Section 99s Governor Ivana Alvares-Marshall represented the UK Department for Transport as an Aviation Ambassador at the Talentview Aviation stand, promoting careers, apprenticeships, and work experience opportunities within aviation.
Engagements also included FINN (Farnborough International News Network), with thanks to Alan Peaford for meeting with Ivana and Dawn, and a memorable photo opportunity with the Republic of Korea Air Force Black Eagles Display Team.
Dubai Airshow 2021
African Section 99s visits Dubai Airshow
Dubai Airshow 2021
African Section 99s visits Dubai Airshow
Dubai Airshow 2021
African Section 99s visits Dubai Airshow
Dubai Airshow 2021
African Section 99s visits Dubai Airshow
Dubai Airshow 2021
African Section 99s visits Dubai Airshow
Dubai Airshow 2021
African Section 99s visits Dubai Airshow
Dubai Airshow 2021
African Section 99s visits Dubai Airshow
Dubai Airshow 2021
African Section 99s visits Dubai Airshow
Dubai Airshow 2021
African Section 99s visits Dubai Airshow
Dubai Airshow 2021
African Section 99s visits Dubai Airshow
Malawi Conference
Documentary
Click on the button to watch a short documentary of the African Section 99s conference in Malawi. Celebrating their 1st Anniversary and 90th Anniversary of the 99s. Credits to Peter Mazunda, Russell Chimbayo, Mphatso Matiki and Overtone Mazunda.
Malawi Conference Documentary
Historic Conference In Malawi and Africa!
The African Section 99s proudly hosted 68 international women pilots from 14 countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Spain, Germany, Austria, New Zealand, Egypt, Uganda, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Malawi.
In a moment of true aviation history, female pilots flew into Malawi from around the world, filling the skies with the spirit of sisterhood and adventure. This was the first-ever international conference of women pilots held in Africa, marking a powerful milestone for women in aviation.
The event celebrated the 90th anniversary of The Ninety-Nines and the 1st anniversary of the African Section 99s, while inspiring African youth to dream high and pursue careers in aviation.
Welcome Cocktail at the Malawian Sun Hotel
A warm welcome cocktail was organised for the visiting women pilots of the Ninety-Nines, generously sponsored by the Malawian Sun Hotel.
The evening was graced by distinguished guests including Jan McKenzie, President of The Ninety-Nines; Corbi Bullock, Vice President; members of the International Board of Directors, Dee Bond and Cathy Purdhomme; Fanni Pajer, Governor of the Austrian Section; Ivana Alvares-Marshall, Governor of the African Section; and Dina Dawod, Vice Governor of the African Section.
Honoured dignitaries in attendance included His Excellency Mr Jürgen Borsch, Ambassador of Germany; His Excellency Mr Shawky, Ambassador of Egypt; and Hon. British Consul Mr Krishna Savjani.
Opening Gala Dinner & Dance
The evening featured the elegant Opening Gala Dinner and Dance of The Ninety-Nines, celebrating 90 years of The Ninety-Nines and the 1st Anniversary of the African Section 99s.
The ceremony was officially opened by the Honourable Minister of Transport and Public Works, Mr Ralph Jooma. Among the distinguished guests were Mr James Chakwera, Director of Civil Aviation; Mr Hastings Jailosi, Operations Manager of Civil Aviation Malawi; and Ms Clara Anyangwe, Country Representative for UN Women.
Honoured dignitaries in attendance included His Excellency Mr Jürgen Borsch, Ambassador of Germany; His Excellency Mr Benedicto Mashiba, Ambassador of Tanzania; His Excellency Mr Shawky, Ambassador of Egypt; and Hon. Consul of Sri Lanka, Mr Perera.
The Ninety-Nines were represented by Jan McKenzie, President; Corbi Bullock, Vice President; Dee Bond and Cathy Purdhomme, International Board of Directors; Fanni Pajer, Governor of the Austrian Section; Ivana Alvares-Marshall, Governor of the African Section; and Dina Dawod, Vice Governor of the African Section.
It was a truly memorable evening of celebration, unity, and recognition, honouring the achievements of women pilots across Africa and around the world.
The 99s Head to Lake Malawi – The Makokola Retreat
The ladies of The Ninety-Nines made their way to the beautiful Makokola Retreat on Lake Malawi, the venue for the historic conference. The gathering brought together African female pilots and their international counterparts, creating a unique space for connection, mentorship, and inspiration.
Many of the African women pilots are trailblazers and the first female pilots in their respective countries. For some, it was their first time attending an international conference, marking a truly special milestone in their aviation journey.
The aim of the event was to build lasting friendships and strengthen the sisterhood that defines The Ninety-Nines — uniting women pilots from across the world through shared passion and purpose.
Visit to Mua Mission
The women pilots of The Ninety-Nines visited Mua Mission, which was run by Late Fr Claude Boucher Chisale, originally from Canada and a long-standing family friend. During the visit, Fr Claude shared fascinating insights into the Gule Wamkulu — the traditional dances, culture, and spiritual heritage of the Chewa people of Malawi.
Late Fr Claude was the author of the acclaimed book “When Animals Sing and Spirits Dance”, which explores the meanings and artistry behind the Gule Wamkulu. Featured here are photographs capturing some of the dances and intricate masks that bring this vibrant cultural tradition to life.
Departure from Malawi – Heading to Tanzania
The Ninety-Nines ladies set off from The Makokola Retreat in the early hours, travelling to Lilongwe International Airport to begin the next leg of their journey. At the VIP lounge, excitement filled the air as they prepared to board their flight to Kilimanjaro Airport, en route to the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater for the next adventure.
They were honoured by the presence of His Excellency Mr Benedicto Mashiba, Ambassador of Tanzania, who personally came to wish them a safe and pleasant journey to his country.
A heartfelt thank you to Malawian Airlines for their gracious support in flying The Ninety-Nines ladies to Tanzania.
Arrival in Tanzania
The Ninety-Nines ladies received a warm welcome upon landing at Kilimanjaro Airport, greeted by a wonderful delegation right at the aircraft. After a quick lunch stop near Arusha Game Park, they travelled in a 12-vehicle convoy with police escort to Kilimamoja Lodge. Heartfelt thanks to the Tanzanian Government and airport authorities for their kind assistance and hospitality.
Royal Heritage Acadmey School - Careers Talk - June 2019
The African 99s visited Royal Heritage School, where they spoke to a group of 17 girls and 10 boys about aviation as a career and the exciting opportunities it offers.
The session aimed to inspire young minds to dream of becoming pilots and explore the world of flight. The students enjoyed a fun, hands-on activity, assembling small aeroplane kits and competing to see whose aircraft could fly the furthest.
It was a joyful and inspiring day, filled with laughter, learning, and new dreams taking flight.
Meeting GFPA 1st June 2019
Refilwe Ledabwa CEO and founder of GFPA and her team invited Ivana Alvares-Marshall Governor of the African Section 99s to their morning meeting. They discussed about African Aviation. They were all excited to learn that in 1965 a group of women set up a South African chapter of the 99s.
Distribution to Cyclone Idai Flood Victims April 2019
The African Section 99s teamed up with Road to Relief and AMRA to distribute supplies to Cyclone Idai Flood Victims in Nsanje near the border of Malawi and Mozambique.
Hilview Secondary School
Careers Talk Feb 2019
The African Section 99s visited Hilview Secondary School on their careers day to inspire their students about aviation.