(JUBA) – South Sudan has marked another historic moment in aviation after Arual Henry Akoon Agei became the country’s second female airline pilot. Her success follows that of Aluel James Bol, who was the first South Sudanese woman to qualify and fly with major international airlines.
Arual is now flying the Dash 8 Q100, Q200, and Q300 aircraft with Royal Air, an airline based in the Comoros Islands. The carrier operates regional flights as well as international routes, including Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. Her achievement demonstrates how South Sudanese professionals are making their mark in international aviation despite the country’s limited aviation infrastructure at home.
The first female pilot from South Sudan, Aluel James Bol, opened doors when she joined global airlines such as Ethiopian Airlines and Delta Airlines. Her career made international headlines and inspired many. Arual’s entry into the same field shows that South Sudan is continuing to nurture talent capable of reaching global standards.
Aviation in South Sudan remains heavily male dominated, with only a few women taking up careers in the cockpit. The industry itself faces significant challenges, including limited flight training schools, high costs of pilot training, and a lack of investment in aviation infrastructure.
To train as a pilot, a candidate requires thousands of flight hours and significant financial resources. In South Sudan, the cost of full training for a commercial pilot licence can reach up to 150,000 US dollars, equal to about 690 million South Sudanese Pounds (SSP). This remains out of reach for most aspiring pilots, especially women.
| Training Requirement | Estimated Cost (USD) | Estimated Cost (SSP) |
|---|---|---|
| Private Pilot Licence | $12,000 | 55.2 million SSP |
| Commercial Pilot Licence | $70,000 | 322 million SSP |
| Airline Transport Pilot Licence | $150,000 | 690 million SSP |
Despite these obstacles, Arual’s success shows that persistence and determination can overcome barriers. Her career path is being celebrated not only as a personal victory but also as a source of national pride. For many young women in South Sudan, her journey proves that aviation is not limited to men.
Her role is particularly significant at a time when African airlines are calling for more skilled pilots to meet growing demand.