An all-women pilot team of Air India, led by Captain Zoya Agarwal flew on the world’s longest air route over the North Pole. Captain Zoya Agarwal commenced the flight with her team on January 9, 2021 and covered a distance of nearly 16,000 kilometres from San Francisco (SFO) to Bangalore. After landing at Bangalore, the women scripted history as it was the very first all-woman pilot team to fly over the North Pole on the longest route of the world. Women in India are making us proud all over again. Meanwhile, did you know about India’s first all women-led metro station in Hyderabad?
Captain Zoya Agarwal Led An All-Women Pilot Team On The World’s Longest Route Over The North Pole
Aviation experts say that flying over the North Pole requires a lot of technical expertise, skill and experience. Captain Zoya Agarwal traversed one of the most difficult air routes with other women pilots in the team like Captain Thanmai Papagari, Captain Akanksha Sonawane and Captain Shivani Manhas. Captain Zoya was also the youngest woman commander in the world to fly a Boeing-777 in 2013.
Air India women pilots set to script history by flying over North Pole on world's longest air route
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According to a Hindustan Times report, she has told ANI, “Most people in the world will not see the North Pole or even its map in their lifetime. I feel truly privileged and humbled by the trust posed in me by the civil aviation ministry and our flag carrier. It is a golden opportunity to command a Boeing 777 inaugural SFO-BLR, one of the world’s longest flight over the North Pole.” The Captain added, “The thrill of actually realising that you will be passing the North pole where the compass will flip 180 degrees…something which is fascinating indeed.”
Also Read: Meet Flight Lieutenant Mohana Singh, The First Woman Fighter Pilot Of India
The North Pole Is One Of The Most Challenging Flight Routes
An Air India official has said, “Flying through the North Pole is very challenging and airline companies send their best and experienced pilots on this route. This time Air India has given responsibilities to a woman captain for the journey from San Francisco to Bengaluru via polar route.” Captain Zoya has also said, “I am the youngest woman commander in the world on Boeing 777. Women should have self-belief even if they face societal pressure to not consider any task impossible.”
Also Read: Inspirational Story Of Avani Awasthee: Youngest Indian To Travel To Antarctica
Captain Zoya is indeed an inspirational figure to thousands of other women, and also men in the country. Meanwhile, meet this 73-year old woman who travels despite age, family and responsibilities:
