Adeola Ogunmola Sowemimo has become the first Nigerian female pilot to fly the Boeing 787 Dreamliner for Qatar Airways.
Adding to her remarkable feats, she also successfully piloted the Boeing 767 Aircraft across the Atlantic Ocean.
Hailing from Ogbomoso in Oyo State in Nigeria, Sowemimo’s journey to the skies began at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, where she graduated before pursuing her pilot training.
After completing her standard pilot course in Florida, United States, at the age of 21, Sowemimo returned to Nigeria to finish her education.
Her aviation career took a significant turn when she joined Medview operations in Abuja in 2013. Initially serving as a ‘First officer’ on Boeing 737 classic, she later earned an upgrade to Boeing 767-300ER.
In October 2018, Sowemimo made history by joining Qatar Airways, becoming the first Nigerian woman to pilot the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, a notable milestone in her career.
The pinnacle of her achievements was marked in 2020 when Qatar Airways operated its inaugural flight to Abuja, Nigeria. Adeola Sowemimo played a crucial role in this historic flight, assisting Captain Khan Sameer Ali from the right seat.
The Director-General of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri, celebrated Sowemimo’s groundbreaking accomplishment on Twitter, stating:
“Adeola is the first Nigerian female Boeing 787 Pilot and the first Nigerian female Pilot to fly for Qatar Airways.”
Adeola Ogunmola Sowemimo’s journey exemplifies not only her personal achievements but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring female pilots in Nigeria and beyond. Her trailblazing career highlights the breaking of barriers and the limitless possibilities for women in the aviation industry.
