Meet Sibongile Sambo, a South African businesswoman. Getting more female pilots into the skies is not just her work, it’s her passion.
Years ago she wanted to be a flight attendant with South African Airways, but she did not meet the minimum height requirement to become one.
Then Sambo decided to do something incredible. She sold her car, took her mother’s pension money and started her own business – Africa’s first female aviation company.
In 2004, Sambo was commissioned with her first flight for the South African government. Since then, SRS Aviation has grown to provide personalized services including helicopter, tourist and luxury flights to destinations spanning the globe.
“It could be a tourist charter for $1,000 or could be a head of state traveling on a VIP aircraft to the United States, which could be about $200,000,” said the entrepreneur.
Despite the difficulties, SRS Aviation received an Air Operating Certificate by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), allowing it to operate commercial flying activities. Also the company helped three women get their private pilot licenses. They are now employed full-time.
“What I’m proud of about our company is that we have managed to penetrate the male dominated industry,” Sambo adds. “Aviation is growing in Africa. We are going to grow with the growth in Africa.”
Source: CNN

Leave a comment