Sophie Ghezai is currently focusing on expanding her aviation career in safety and operations in Africa. Previously Sophie worked as the Program Director at Flight Safety Foundation (FSF). In her role, she was responsible for the development of safety initiatives and conference events to further the Foundation’s objectives.
Prior to joining Flight Safety Foundation, Sophie worked with Airlines for America (A4A) as the Director of Aviation Safety and Operations overseeing member airlines’ safety and operational activities including Flight Safety, Pilot Training, Cabin Operations and Ground Operations, to promote safety best practices and support the implementation of safety initiatives.
Sophie began her commercial pilot career at Ethiopian Airlines, followed by Atlantic Coast Airlines and Independence Air (FLYi) in the United States. She has flown the DHC-6, Jetstream 41, CRJ-200, B-707, and B-737. She also holds a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Sophie obtained her Master of Science in Aeronautics from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, specializing in Aviation Aerospace Management and Aviation Aerospace Safety Systems.
Sophie is a Board member for the International Aviation Womens Association (IAWA), serving as the Vice President, Africa and the Middle East. She is also part of African Women in Aviation Platform Steering Group, a member of the African Section 99s, Women in Aviation International (WIA) and Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP). In addition, Sophie serves on the Board of Trustees at 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)