Aya Gertrude Konan holds the distinction of being the first female commercial pilot in Ivory Coast to receive training from the Ivorian State.
She currently serves as a First Officer with Air Côte D’Ivoire, operating the Airbus A320.
Konan commenced her career in the aviation sector as an Air Hostess in April 2013, a role she maintained until October 2015.
In late 2014, Air Côte D’Ivoire initiated a competition aimed at recruiting and training young Ivorians for careers in aeronautics.
Seizing this opportunity, Konan applied and, following a rigorous selection process, was one of 15 individuals chosen from approximately 1,500 applicants, notably being the sole female selected.
Kona was chosen through a comprehensive selection process that included file evaluations, psychometric testing, and assessments in multiple disciplines such as mathematics, physics, and English.
Notably, she was the only female among the selected candidates.
As she embarked on a challenging training path, Kona’s resolve and tenacity drove her onward. She underwent theoretical instruction at the National Polytechnic Institute Houphouët Boigny (INPHB) in Côte d’Ivoire, followed by practical training in France, where she committed herself fully to acquiring the necessary skills to operate in the aviation field.
After completing a training program lasting 2 years and 4 months, she achieved the status of the first female commercial pilot trained by the State of Côte D’Ivoire.
