Asli Hassan Abade has cemented her place in history as the first female air force pilot in both Africa and the Middle East. She also holds the unique title of being the only female military pilot in Somalia’s history.
A Bright Student with Big Dreams
In an interview with BBC What’s New, Asli described herself as a bright student during her school years. She excelled in mathematics, physics, and astronomy—subjects that fueled her interest in flying. Coming from a family rooted in service, with most of her relatives in the army and her parents serving as police officers, Asli was inspired to pursue an unconventional dream for women of her time.
A Spark of Interest in Flying
Asli’s siblings were also in the military, and their family lived in the airbase. While studying at home, she would often watch planes take off and pray for the chance to become a pilot herself.
During the 1960s, Somalia had just gained independence, and with the birth of a new nation came opportunities previously unavailable. However, societal norms at the time questioned whether girls could take on roles traditionally reserved for boys.
Asli’s sister worked as a secretary to the president of Somalia, a role that gave her direct access to the nation’s leadership. Encouraged by her sister’s belief in equality, Asli decided to take a bold step.
A Bold Approach to the President
Determined to pursue her dream, Asli sought an audience with the president. She asked for his permission to join aviation school. The president questioned her ambitions, asking, “Do you know this is a man’s job?” Asli confidently responded that she could handle the challenges.
She went on to tell him that if he denied her request, she would ask her parents to send her abroad to train as a pilot and then return to serve her country. Impressed by her determination, the president agreed to enroll her in the air force, setting the stage for her groundbreaking career.
Training at the Air Force Academy
Asli joined the Somali Air Force Academy, where she spent two years training on the ground before advancing to flight training. After successfully passing her exams, she began flying with an instructor. Eventually, she reached the milestone of flying solo.
Her first solo flight was a monumental occasion. The media covered the event extensively in the lead-up to the flight, and the public was overjoyed by her achievement. Asli recalled how some people doubted her solo flight, speculating that a man must have been controlling the plane.
A Historic Career
Asli’s career as a pilot spanned from 1976 until 1992, when Somalia’s civil war forced her to halt her service. With the country in turmoil, she relocated to the United States and settled in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas. There, she started a family with her husband, and together they were blessed with four children—a daughter and three sons.
Returning to Somalia
After spending more than two decades abroad, Asli returned permanently to Somalia in July 2017. Her story remains an inspiration to countless women across Africa, proving that with determination and courage, barriers can be broken.
