In a groundbreaking achievement, former flight attendant Konan has become the first Black female pilot for a commercial airline in her home country of Ivory Coast. Her journey from the cabin to the cockpit is a testament to her determination and passion for aviation.
Konan’s aviation aspirations began early in her life, fueled by a deep love for airplanes. However, the path to becoming a pilot was fraught with financial hurdles, as pilot training is notoriously expensive. Despite these challenges, she remained steadfast in her dreams.
Her opportunity arrived in 2014 when Air Côte D’Ivoire launched a competition to train young Ivorians for various careers in aviation, including pilot training. Konan seized this chance and applied, emerging as one of the standout candidates among 1,500 applicants. After rigorous testing in subjects such as Math, Physics, and English, she was selected as one of only 15 candidates—and notably, the only woman.
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Konan’s training was extensive, encompassing both theoretical and practical components in Côte D’Ivoire and France. After two years and four months of intense preparation, she achieved a historic milestone, becoming Ivory Coast’s first female civilian airline pilot trained by the state.
Currently serving as a First Officer at Air Côte D’Ivoire, Konan pilots the Airbus A320 and is also qualified to fly the Bombardier Dash Q400. Her journey from a flight attendant in April 2013 to a trailblazing pilot exemplifies her resilience and dedication to her dreams.
Konan’s success is not only a personal triumph but also a significant milestone for diversity and representation in the aviation industry. Her story continues to inspire many, demonstrating that with perseverance and hard work, barriers can indeed be broken.
