Sophie Ghezai is a highly accomplished aviation safety and operations specialist with over 30 years of global industry experience, currently focused on expanding aviation safety and operational excellence across Africa. Her expertise spans Safety Management Systems (SMS), flight operations, and regulatory compliance, with in-depth knowledge of FAA, NTSB, DOT, OSHA, ICAO, IATA, and multiple international Civil Aviation Authorities.
Sophie currently serves as Director of Operations at Africa Air Transport Solutions Associates (AATSA International), where she leads strategic initiatives to strengthen aviation safety, regulatory compliance, and operational performance throughout the African aviation sector.
Previously, Sophie was Programme Director at the Flight Safety Foundation (FSF), where she developed global safety initiatives and industry conferences aligned with the Foundation’s mission. Prior to FSF, she held the role of Director of Aviation Safety and Operations at Airlines for America (A4A), overseeing member airlines’ safety and operational activities, including flight safety, pilot training, cabin operations, and ground operations, while promoting industry best practices.
Sophie began her flying career at Ethiopian Airlines, later flying in the United States with Atlantic Coast Airlines and Independence Air (FLYi). She has operated the DHC-6, Jetstream 41, CRJ-200, Boeing 707, and Boeing 737, and also holds a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
She earned a Master of Science in Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, specialising in Aviation Aerospace Management and Safety Systems. Sophie serves as Vice President for Africa and the Middle East on the Board of the International Aviation Women’s Association (IAWA), is a member of the African Women in Aviation Platform Steering Group, the African Section 99s, Women in Aviation International (WAI), and the Organisation of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP). She also serves on the Board of Trustees of Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens in Washington, D.C.
- Sophie Ghezai earned the distinction of becoming Ethiopian Airlines’ first female commercial pilot in 1991.
- Vice President Board member IAWA Africa and Middle East
- African Women in Aviation Platform Steering Group.
- Women In Aviation International
- Organisation of Black Aerospace Professional(OBAP)