Captain Esther Mbabazi, Rwanda’s first female pilot, has etched her name deeper into the annals of aviation history. She has been inducted into the prestigious Captain’s Club of the International Society of Women Airline Pilots (ISA+21), a testament to her decade-long career in the cockpit and her role as a trailblazer for women in aviation.
This moment was yet another milestone in the career of a woman who has fearlessly broken barriers in an industry traditionally dominated by men.
As Captain Mbabazi prepares for the next phase of her journey as a captain on the Boeing 737 fleet, she reflects on a career marked by both triumph and tragedy. She began her career as a First Officer flying RwandAir’s Airbus A330 and CRJ 900 jets across Africa, but her passion for flying took root long before that.
Born to Rwandan parents in Burundi in 1988, Mbabazi’s fascination with the sky began when she was just five years old. “You know what? I’m going to fly,” she once said, recalling how watching planes overhead as a child sparked a dream that would later become her life’s mission.
This dream became even more significant after the tragic loss of her father in a plane crash in DR Congo when she was just eight years old. Rather than deter her, the tragedy fueled her determination to conquer the skies. After training at the East African Civil Aviation Academy in Uganda, Mbabazi received sponsorship from RwandAir to complete her studies in Miami, Florida. In 2012, at the age of 24, she made history by becoming the first female commercial airline pilot in Rwanda.
But the road to success wasn’t easy. Many in her family were skeptical of her decision to enter a field that had never seen a Rwandan woman in its ranks. However, Mbabazi’s unwavering perseverance saw her through, and today, she stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring female aviators, both in Rwanda and beyond.
Captain Mbabazi’s induction into the Captain’s Club of ISA+21 places her among a select group of female pilots from around the world. Founded in 1978 by 21 pioneering women, ISA+21 now represents women pilots from over 90 airlines across 35 countries. Its mission is to inspire, support, and advocate for women in aviation—an embodiment of Captain Mbabazi’s own journey. As she takes her place in this elite group, she continues to inspire a new generation of women to reach for the skies.
ISA+21’s work is especially critical in addressing the gender disparity that still persists in the aviation industry. While India leads the world with the highest percentage of female pilots—12.4%—other major aviation markets like the United States and China lag behind. Rwanda, too, is making strides thanks to pioneers like Captain Mbabazi and new initiatives aimed at empowering local talent.
The growth of Rwanda’s aviation sector has been remarkable. RwandAir, the country’s flagship carrier, has played a pivotal role in enhancing Rwanda’s connectivity, contributing to the nation’s economic growth. In 2023, the airline achieved an 82% increase in total revenues, growing from Rwf341 billion in 2022 to Rwf620.6 billion. This resilience speaks to the importance of the aviation industry in Rwanda’s future.
In February 2024, Rwanda launched the Centre of Excellence for Aviation Skills (CEAS), a $26.6 million project in collaboration with the African Development Bank. The center is poised to build local capacity and provide world-class aviation training, ensuring that Rwanda can meet the growing demands of the global aviation industry. This initiative is crucial in a rapidly evolving aviation landscape.
Globally, the aviation industry has seen significant growth. In 2023, global airline revenue reached $908 billion, a 23% increase from the previous year. While the United States and China remain the largest aviation markets, India’s domestic sector is growing at a record pace. However, when it comes to gender diversity in the cockpit, India leads the way with the highest percentage of female pilots, followed by countries like Ireland, South Africa, and Australia.
As Captain Mbabazi continues to make strides in her career, her story is a reminder of the power of dreams and perseverance. From a young girl in Burundi who gazed at planes in wonder, to a trailblazing pilot and global role model, her journey has inspired countless others. In an industry that is still learning to embrace women, Captain Mbabazi stands tall, ready to soar even higher.
