Aisha Alexander (Trailblazer)

Aisha Jibreel Alexander was born in Medellín, Colombia, where she studied Law and Political Science at the University of Medellín. In 1998, due to the country’s political situation, she emigrated to the United States with her mother, also a lawyer who was working with the State Attorney’s office at the time. From the age of four, Aisha dreamed of becoming a pilot. With the encouragement of her mother and grandmother, who advised her to first pursue another career due to their lack of aviation background, she laid a strong academic foundation before pursuing her passion for flight.

In 2001, Aisha earned her Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) through American Flyers. She volunteered extensively to build flight hours toward her ATP and, upon reaching 1,500 hours, secured her first formal flying position operating King Airs and Learjet 25s. Despite the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated industry and becoming the first Hispanic female pilot in corporate aviation in the United States, Aisha persevered. When doors closed, she created her own opportunities, building a global network that led her to contract flying roles across South America, Canada, India, and Southeast Asia. It was during this time that she met her dear friend Ivana Alvares-Marshall, now Governor of the African Section of the Ninety-Nines, in Malaysia. 

Following the 2008 financial crisis, Aisha transitioned into the airline industry. In 2009, she joined a cargo airline flying the MD-11, later flying for Ethiopian Airlines and Etihad Airways, where she remained for over five years. During this period, she completed a Master’s degree in Aviation Safety and Human Factors at Emirates Aviation University (UAE), a qualification that would shape the next chapter of her career.

Her expertise led her to serve as Director of Safety for the Coca-Cola Aviation Department, where she applied human factors principles and safety management systems to corporate aviation operations, highlighting the importance of safety across all aviation sectors. In 2021, Aisha was appointed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) as Safety Secretary for the North American (NACC) Region. However, as the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded, she made the difficult decision to postpone this role in order to remain current in flight operations and safeguard long-term career and family stability. She joined a cargo operator in Miami, a decision that while challenging ultimately led her to a stable position with one of the largest feeder airlines in the DHL network, alongside receiving multiple airline offers.

Safety has always been Aisha’s core passion. Even before aviation safety emerged as a defined discipline, she studied criminal justice, driven by her interest in human factors rather than law. Today, aviation safety and human factors stand at the center of her professional identity.

Beyond the cockpit, Aisha is deeply committed to advancing women in aviation. Through her work with the Ninety-Nines (99s), she actively supports mentorship and representation. She is a sought-after speaker, having presented at the Dubai Airshow Conference (2017), the Aviation Summit (2018), and the International Aviation Management Conference (IAMC) in 2022, where she continues to advocate for safety, diversity, and leadership.

Her contributions have been internationally recognized. In 2021, she received the AeroTime Global Award for her influence in aviation and advocacy for women in the industry. More recently, she published her book, Breaking Barriers in the Skies: Pilot, Safety Visionary, and Voice for Women in Aviation, sharing her journey, insights, and vision for a safer, more inclusive aviation future.

At the heart of Aisha’s life is her role as a mother her most meaningful achievement. Her son is her greatest inspiration, teaching her wisdom, adaptability, and perspective. Raised by a strong single mother who balanced a demanding legal career with parenthood, Aisha credits her family for shaping her resilience and determination.

Grounded by an unshakable faith in God, Aisha believes that every opportunity she has received was divinely guided. Known as the “Smile of the Sky,” she faces life’s challenges with grace, faith, resilience, and an unwavering smile, continuing to soar while lifting others along the way.